Our friends over at Minnesota Beer Activists shared the story earlier, and it’s one that we’ve been following for a week or so. It’s an interesting proposition, but not Here’s the language of H.F. No. 2432.

An exclusive liquor store, with the approval of the commissioner, may be issued an off-sale license by a municipality for off-sale of malt liquor filled at the tap and packaged consistent with the requirement of section 340A.301, subdivision 7, paragraph (b), by the licensee on the licensed premises. The malt liquor must be made available to the licensees in kegs or barrels by a wholesaler or manufacturer and be otherwise not available in Minnesota by can or bottle. All local ordinances and state provisions relating to public health are applicable.

As written, this would allow liquor stores a chance to fill growlers of kegged beer, providing it isn’t already available in Minnesota in a packaged form. So as an example, under the law you could buy a growler of Lucid Camo from your favorite beer store, but Surly Darkness would be a no-go. And with regards to growlers at brewpubs & breweries, this wouldn’t change a thing.

Launching this kind of operation won’t come without its costs, however. Stores will have to adhere to health standards and will need to invest in the proper cleaning systems, growlers and labeling equipment. And then there’s the labor. Don’t expect this in most stores, though the right store could make this pretty awesome.

What do you think? Would you buy a growler at a beer store? Would you be disappointed if the store couldn’t fill a growler of Flat Earth Rode Haring for you? How many beers a year could actually be filled with the language as-is?