Gov. Walz Signs Bill That Loosens Minnesota’s Liquor Laws

MINNESOTA — Gov. Tim Walz on Sunday signed a bill into law that loosens Minnesota's liquor laws.

Among the changes the law makes is raising the cap on growler sales, which will allow more off-sale options for small breweries.

"I am proud to live in a state with so many locally owned breweries and distilleries," said Walz said in a statement.

"Every Minnesota business—big or small—deserves the opportunity to succeed. The pandemic has pushed us to think creatively when it comes to the food and beverage industry, and this bill provides more opportunities for these businesses to thrive. This bill is one way we can support Minnesota’s local breweries and distilleries."

Previously, Minnesota mandated a 20,000 barrel per year cap on craft beer production. That meant that Minnesota’s larger breweries could not sell to-go beer in 64-ouce containers, growlers, and 32-ounce cans.

The restriction led Stillwater's Life Bridge Brewing to expand into Wisconsin last year.

The new law raises that cap to 150,000 barrels a year.

The new law will also allow smaller breweries to sell their products in bottles and cans. Additionally, distilleries will now be allowed to have off-sale products in standard-size cans and open cocktail rooms.

The law also:

• Extends hours for alcohol sale during live World Cup matches
• Offers cities and counties temporary on-sale licenses for events and fairs
• Creates an alcohol-permitted outdoor social district in Anoka County

Learn more about the new law here.