Lawmakers eye new push against Sunday liquor ban

Published 10:23 am Thursday, March 6, 2014

ST. PAUL  — A bipartisan pair of lawmakers to unveil new plans to repeal a source of annoyance to many Minnesotans — the Sunday prohibition on liquor sales.

Sen. Roger Reinert of Duluth and Rep. Jenifer Loon of Eden Prairie are introducing a range of bills, from full repeal to more measured steps. They say they see growing public support for lifting the ban, and that the proposals are meant to be a starting point for lawmakers.

Loon previously suggested that short of lifting the ban statewide, the decision could be left to cities and counties. Another option would be legislation to allow Sunday sales of beer growlers at local tap rooms but stops short of letting stores open.

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Proponents of lifting the ban have struggled in recent years to build legislative support.