(KNSI) — A proposal aimed at addressing worker shortages has advanced through the committee process.
The measure, HF 2027, sponsored by Sartell area Representative Tim O’Driscoll, would allow 17-year-olds to serve liquor in restaurants. That worker would need to be supervised by someone older than 17. O’Driscoll introduced the measure in response to concerns from employers struggling to hire workers since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The bill also increases the annual limit on direct wine shipments from wineries to Minnesota homes from two cases to four, though the original proposal read a limit of 12 cases. Similar legislation passed the House in 2020 and 2022 but failed to gain Senate approval.
The House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee approved the bill by voice vote, sending it to the House floor. No public testimony was given during the hearing, though testimony was previously provided when individual bills were discussed earlier this month.
HF2027 became the omnibus liquor bill on Thursday following a delete-all amendment incorporating a dozen other alcohol-related measures.
Additional provisions in the omnibus liquor bill include:
Granting temporary liquor licenses to food trucks catering private events
Authorizing new liquor licenses for a food hall in Minneapolis and another in St. Louis Park’s West End shopping district
Allowing on-sale strong beer and wine sales at Mankato’s Taylor Center
Permitting liquor sales at the Science Museum of Minnesota and Union Depot for events
Issuing liquor licenses for Dwan Golf Course in Bloomington, Chateau Theater in Rochester, and Springfield Area Community Center
Creating an exemption for Lake of the Woods County to issue temporary licenses to the Baudette Arena Association
Removing restrictions on liquor licenses at the University of Minnesota, including at its College of Agriculture.
Representative Josh Heintzeman of Nisswa said that businesses in his district, which includes the large service industry in the Brainerd Lakes area, face the same challenges as the St. Cloud area. “This is a very important issue and the change in statute would be significant and very positively impactful in my district.”
Hospitality union UNITE HERE Local 17 is opposing the bill because they believe it’s inappropriate for children to serve alcohol to adults.
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