Simon Backs 'Surly Bill'

For the second time this session, Hopkins Rep. Steve Simon (DFL- District 44A), of St. Louis Park, finds himself grappling with a significant liquor bill.

Two weeks after proposing a bill that would allow liquor stores to sell their own branded merchandise, Simon and his House colleagues are now considering a bill that would give breweries the ability to sell glasses of their own beer on-site. The House bill was introduced Thursday, three days after the legislation was proposed in the Senate.

While the bill would extend rights to all breweries, it is being introduced now because the Brooklyn Center-based Surly Brewing Co. wants to build a new Twin Cities brewery that would feature a restaurant and bar, which would sell only Surly beer.

Traditionally, Minnesota has had a three-tiered system that separates liquor manufacturing, distribution and retailing. Frank Ball, who is executive director of the Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association, told the Star Tribune last week that this proposal would give Surly an "unfair advantage.”

But Simon said he is supportive of the measure and argues that the successful brewery should be allowed to grow, which would not only create a unique destination for visitors but would also spur job creation. The new brewery would employ 150 and mean 85 construction jobs.

“I think from time to time, an exception is warranted,” he said regarding the three-tiered system. “I think this is one of those times. Bottom line is, I want to see Surly expand.”

The representative also said that other local businesses, such as Granite City Food and Brewery and Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery, already brew beer while also operating bars, though he acknowledged their brewing operations are at a much smaller scale.

The “Surly bill” was referred to the House’s Commerce and Regulatory Reform committee. While Simon’s liquor merchandise bill will likely be folded into a larger omnibus package, he said he expects the Surly bill to be handled separately.

 Here’s what happened this past week with other bills authored or co-authored by your legislators:

Rep. Steve Simon

Proposed a bill that would more clearly specify the penalties for unlawful voting and voter registration. HF0700 was introduced on Thursday and referred to the Government Operations and Elections Committee.

Proposed a bill that would appropriate $700,000 from a potential bonding bill to the city of St. Louis Park to design, construct and install noise mitigation barriers because of potential changes to freight rail traffic in the area. HF0688 was introduced on Thursday and referred to the Transportation Policy and Finance Committee. Sen. Ron Latz proposed the Senate’s version of the bill, SF0407, on Feb. 21.

Proposed a bill that would modify certain provisions related to determinations of paternity and maternity. HF0644 was introduced on Feb. 21 and referred to the Civil Law Committee.