MN HF1444

Authorizes cities to issue off-sale intoxicating liquor licenses to food retailers, defined as for-profit, not-for-profit, or cooperative self-service retail establishments selling groceries, produce, dairy, and packaged foods, including supermarkets, grocery stores, corner stores, and convenience stores.

Food retailers licensed for off-sale liquor may sell malt liquor, wine, and Minnesota-distilled spirits meeting specific regulatory requirements under sections 340A.22 or 340A.315.

Exempts off-sale licenses issued to food retailers from the one-license-per-person limitation and the one-license-per-location restriction that applies to other off-sale licensees.

Exempts food retailer off-sale licenses from population-based licensing limits that apply to cities of the first class (one license per 5,000 population).

Prohibits local authorities from enacting ordinances that prohibit persons under age 21 from entering food retailers licensed for off-sale liquor.