HF 2620 Bill Summary

• Converts all existing 3.2 percent malt liquor licenses to 5.5 percent alcoholic beverage licenses, increasing the maximum alcohol content by weight from 3.2% to 5.5%.

• Expands the definition of "3.2 5.5 percent malt liquor alcoholic beverage" to include beer, ale, hard cider, hard seltzer, and canned cocktails containing not more than 5.5% alcohol by weight.

• Automatically converts licenses issued under section 340A.403 for off-sale or on-sale of 3.2 percent malt liquor to licenses for 5.5 percent alcoholic beverages without requiring new applications.

• Updates all references throughout Minnesota Statutes (chapters 28A, 169A, 181A, 182, 204C, 270C, 295, 297G, 340A, 349, 609, and 624) from "3.2 percent malt liquor" to "5.5 percent alcoholic beverage" for conforming purposes.

• Adjusts excise tax rates on fermented malt beverages: maintains $2.40 per 31-gallon barrel for beverages containing not more than 5.5% alcohol by weight, and $4.60 per barrel for those containing more than 5.5%.