As many of you have read in the December 11th issue of the StarTribune, there has been a bit of a resurgence of the fate of 3.2% beer. If you have not read the article, I would suggest you do so, click here.
In this article, Constellation Brands has stated that they will be discontinuing the manufacturing of their 3.2% beer brands as Minnesota will be the last state in the nation to have a separate 3.2% license for on and off premise. Those brands include Corona, Modelo Especial, Victoria and Pacifico beers.
In all the years that I have been here, I have not seen a supplier publicly oppose a MLBA legislative priority. According to the article, Constellation Brands senior vice president John P. Utter wrote a letter to the Minnesota Grocers Association, “urging the association to lobby the [Minnesota] Legislature to make full-strength beer available to all retailers.” By all retailers, they mean convenience stores, grocery stores and gas stations too!
The MLBA will continue to keep you up to speed with any and all newsworthy stories that may adversely affect your businesses. If you have any questions, please reach out to me and I will assist in any way I can. As always, please encourage other retailers to get involved with the only trade association that fights for your independently owned liquor outlets! We are stronger, together!
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Tony Chesak
MLBA Executive Director
651-772-0910
[email protected]