The House and Senate Commerce Committees are beginning to work on putting together the Omnibus Liquor bill for the 2012 legislative session. On Wednesday, the House Commerce Committee considered the bill, HF 2432, to allow liquor stores to sell growlers of beer which is not otherwise available in Minnesota in cans or bottles. MMBA President, Tom Agnes, and MLBA Vice President of Off-Sale, Jennifer Schoenzeit, both testified at the committee hearing to provide background and support of the bill. Several concerns have been raised relating to branding, health issues, and other concerns. The House Commerce Committee will continue to hear liquor related bills next week, and on Tuesday, March 13, the Senate Commerce Committee will hold a hearing on all liquor bills in the committee’s jurisdiction. The bills will not be voted on, but laid over for possible inclusion in an omnibus liquor bill. We will keep you posted as current as we possibly can.
