Gerlach Helps Shepherd 'Beer at the Bank' Bill to Governor's Desk

A spokesperson for Gov. Mark Dayton says Dayton plans to sign a bill that would allow beer sales to the general public at the University of Minnesota's TCF Bank Stadium, according to several Twin Cities news outlets, including Minnesota Public Radio.

The omnibus liquor bill, whose chief sponsor in the Minnesota Senate is Dist. 37 , passed the Minnesota House of Representatives this week, by a vote of 115-13. The bill combines liquor-related provisions proposed by different legislators.

District 57 Reps. Kurt Bills (R-Rosemount) and Tara Mack (R-Apple Valley) voted in the bill's favor.

According to the bill's text, it would allow a liquor license for the stadium if sales to the general public—through halftime of a game—were allowed. The bill also provides that the stadium sell at least one beer brewed in Minnesota.

The provision would last for two years, according to Minnesota Public Radio.

When TCF Bank Stadium was built, the University wanted to make beer available only to people in suites, according to the Pioneer Press, but the Legislature stipulated that beer would also need to be available to the public for any beer sales to occur.

Sales to the public are likely to occur in a beer garden in the stadium, the Pioneer Press article says.

The bill includes more than just the TCF beer sales provision. It also adds provisions for farm wineries, those wishing to host wine festivals, wine educators and liquor stores.

Gerlach was interviewed about the bill on the Minnesota Senate Media's Capitol Report in March; the video is attached to this story.

Follow Rosemount Patch on Twitter @RosemountPatch, "Like" us on Facebook, and sign up for our newsletters, which send you updates about stories, breaking news, announcements, events and blogs on our site.