The Bloody Mary Law Is In Effect, But Cities Still Have To Act On It
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Sunday turned out to be a bit disappointing to some eager Bloody Mary drinkers.
Thanks to a state law passed this week, it's officially legal to drink at 8 a.m. on Sundays in restaurants, clubs, hotels, and bowling centers.
The bill went into effect immediately.
But on this Sunday, eager bar managers across the state had to hold their pours.
Stephanie Shimp, who co-owns Freehouse in the North Loop, said she thought they could start early liquor sales this Sunday.
"We were all exchanging emails and phone calls trying to figure out if Minneapolis had a city ordinance that either deferred to the state ordinance or allowed us to start serving today," she said.
In the end, Freehouse chose to wait.
As it turns out, the state law is in effect, but each municipality has to clear it before it's bottoms up.
Now it's a waiting game.
And Hell's Kitchen in downtown Minneapolis is one restaurant that's playing.
"The people who are from out of state and aren't familiar with the law get a little grouchy," said Neil Schneider, who oversees the restaurant's Bloody Mary bar. "If they're here at like 8 or 9, yeah, grouchy people aren't great, especially when they're trying to drink."
Managers are hoping the new law will steady out the thirsty crowds. But until then, early birds will have to fill their cups with something else.
Jacob Frey, a Minneapolis council member, said he expects a city ordinance to go through in about a week and a half.
So it may be two Sundays from now before the 8 a.m. drinks are flowing in Minneapolis.
Any other areas who want to support the bill will also have to approve an ordinance.
Growlers For Sale
Another part of the weakening Sunday liquor laws has to do with craft breweries and growlers.
Under the new law, craft breweries will be able to sell 66-ounce growlers of beer on Sundays. However, those breweries must have the proper licenses.
Liquor stores, on the other hand, still have to stay closed on Sundays. The latest effort to change that failed at the state Capitol.
