St. Cloud Liquor Ordinance Amended to Allow Microdistilleries

(KNSI) — St. Cloud has amended its liquor ordinance to allow micro-distilleries in the city.

The change allows the establishment of a distillery in east St. Cloud. Iron Street Distillery will open in the former Gulfeagle Supply building in 2023. This past spring, owners stated the bottom level would produce gin, vodka and other spirits while the top level would house an event center.

City Councilman Mike Conway says he disagrees with a state rule allowing the business to only sell up to 750 milliliters of alcohol per person per day. “I can go to a liquor store and buy as many cases as I want, but from a micro-distillery, I can only buy one 750 mil? I just thought it was interesting to point out that it was a state statute.”

Councilman George Hontos asked City Clerk Seth Kauffman if he knew why that was the rule. “It’s in statute. That’s all I know, honestly. it was probably established during a legislative session at one point of time, and that’s just the way it’s been ever since.”

“Well I think it was established before Prohibition,” said Hontos.

The new business will be the only distillery in St. Cloud.

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