The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 340A.22, subdivision 2, to modify the regulations surrounding cocktail room licenses for microdistilleries and distilled spirits manufacturers. It allows municipalities to issue a cocktail room license that permits the on-sale of distilled liquor produced by the distiller for consumption on the premises of or adjacent to one distillery location. The bill also clarifies that cocktail rooms may operate on Sundays if authorized by the municipality and that holders of these licenses can also operate a restaurant at the distillery. Additionally, it establishes that a distiller can only hold one cocktail room license and mandates that municipalities impose a licensing fee, while also requiring them to notify the commissioner of various licensing actions.

A significant change in the bill is the insertion that prohibits a single entity from holding both a cocktail room and taproom license, and from colocating these establishments, unless the entity held both licenses prior to August 20, 2014. This provision aims to maintain a clear distinction between the types of licenses and their respective operations. Overall, the bill seeks to streamline the licensing process for microdistilleries while ensuring compliance with existing regulations.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 340A.22