Judge Rules Against Retailers Who Need to Renew Liquor Licenses

As many as 700 bars and restaurants that failed to renew liquor licenses before the July 1 government shutdown could find themselves unable to buy and sell alcohol after Aug. 1 if the shutdown continues. Already, 300 are unable to do so.

Ramsey County District Court Judge Kathleen Gearin ruled Monday against a petition filed by the Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association to allow Minnesota’s Department of Public Safety to issue buyer’s cards to licensed alcoholic-beverage retailers.

A buyer’s card, which is renewed annually, allows a retailer to continue purchasing and selling alcoholic beverages “necessary to the ongoing viability of their businesses” during the shutdown.

Without the card, however, retailers cannot purchase beverages with more than 3.2 percent alcohol by weight.

More than 6,000 retailers require buyer’s cards to purchase alcohol, according to the MLBA petition.

While more than 300 retailers in the state are unable to receive the buyer's card they need right now, by Aug. 1, 400 more could lose the ability to buy liquor if the shutdown persists.

Gearin’s advice to members of the MLBA: “The Court urges the Association members to make the compelling arguments regarding the impact of the shutdown on hundreds of small liquor establishments to the Governor and their local legislators.”

Gearin said that if the shutdown continues past July 24, the MLBA should contact Ramsey County District Court to schedule a hearing.