According to this Star Tribune Piece by Paul Levy, Frank Ball and the MLBA seem to have changed their minds:
But Wednesday, he adopted his stance of a week ago, when he said: “We’re not talking about tires, batteries or accessories. This is alcohol, and it’s highly regulated. There’s a reason this law has been on the books since 1933.”
Deep pockets?
Couple that with some of the misinformation I’ve heard in the past week or so and I think it’s fair to share a few friendly reminders…
Things to consider:
The bill doesn’t allow breweries to sell cans, bottles growlers or beer to go at the brewery. Just beer for consumption on-site.
This bill has nothing to do with Sunday sales.
This bill has nothing to do with wine/strong beer in grocery stores.
With regard to Surly, their increased capacity will force them into the three-tier system, likely within the next year.
Increased capacity means more beer for for bars & liquor stores to sell.
All around the country similar projects exist and local retailers and bars are still selling beer. For reference, look to well-known examples such as Stone Brewing, Goose Island, Deschutes, Red Hook, Dogfish Head and so many others.
As consumers, we’ll still buy bottles and cans of Surly from your liquor stores and pints and pitchers from your bars.
Choosing to stop selling Surly at your bar or liquor store in light of this legislation is silly. Take a look at the rest of your selection and see how many of breweries already do what Surly has proposed. You’ll likely be surprised.
MNBeer.com supports this legislation. If you’re a brewery, distributor or restaurant/bar that supports the legislation, we’d love to hear it. On the same note, if you don’t, please drop me a line (ryan AT mnbeer.com) and let me know why. I’m not interested in calling anyone out, I’m just trying to gauge actual opposition & understand where you’re coming from. Thus far, despite requests, no one has stepped forward in opposition. Other than a “Friend of a friend of a friend” story or two, I’m not hearing much.
