HF 739 Summary

• Proposes a constitutional amendment to Article XIII allowing the legislature to authorize grocery stores, convenience stores, and other food retailers to sell wine and beer as prescribed by law.

• Submits the constitutional amendment to voters at the 2022 general election with the question: "Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to permit the sale of wine and beer in grocery stores, convenience stores, and other food retailers, in a manner prescribed by law?"

• Defines "food retailer" as a for-profit, not-for-profit, or cooperative self-service retail establishment selling bread, bakery items, meats, seafood, poultry, produce, dairy products, packaged groceries, and shelf-stable foods, including supermarkets, grocery stores, corner stores, and convenience stores.

• Authorizes cities to issue off-sale intoxicating liquor licenses to food retailers for the sale of malt liquor and wine, exempting food retailer licenses from standard issuance limits and population-based restrictions.

• Prohibits local ordinances from restricting persons under age 21 from entering food retailers licensed for off-sale under this bill.