Senate Approves Alcohol Sale At 'U' Stadium
ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO/AP) — The Minnesota Senate has approved a bill that would let the University of Minnesota sell beer to the general public at University of Minnesota football games.
The Senate approved the change Wednesday as part of a larger liquor policy bill that passed on a 58-4 vote. The House plans to take up a companion bill this week.
The measure allows the University Board of Regents to sign off on a liquor license application for TCF Stadium.
A school spokesman says the board supports the change.
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"Its pretty backwards to not have beer in the first place. I think its a plus to have beer. It's part of the game and the atmosphere," said University of Minnesota student Eric Vavra.
Last year, the University of Minnesota wanted to limit liquor sales to luxury suites in order to boost those ticket sales while curbing drinking among minor students. But state lawmakers have pushed for more open general sales for several years.
One U of M student said when it's done for the right reasons, having alcohol at a college football stadium can aid the game day experience.
"I think for Gopher fans it's long overdue. But when we get other rowdy fans in there and they get alcohol in their system it might not be the best idea to have that happening," said student Shawn Hennessy. "I'm close with a lot of people on the football team. They take it very seriously and they want the fans to take it seriously. If fans get in there and its all about being drunk rather than watching the game they're not going to be too happy about that."
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