Another proposal to sell liquor on Sundays
Published 9:20 am Thursday, February 3, 2011
DULUTH — One state senator thinks his proposal to end the ban on Sunday liquor sales might have a chance this year.
Sen. Roger Reinert of Duluth says the extra tax revenue from liquor sales can help with a projected $6.4 billion shortfall in the 2012-2013 state budget.
Minnesota is one of 14 states that ban retail liquor sales on Sundays. Its border states, Wisconsin, Iowa and the Dakotas, all sell liquor on Sundays. The DFL senator says that puts Minnesota at an economic disadvantage, particularly in border communities.
The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States estimates Sunday liquor sales could generate about $10.6 million into tax revenue annually. DFL Rep. Phyllis Kahn, of Minneapolis, has introduced a companion bill.