Buying Beer At Target: Minnesota's Unique Alcohol Laws

Target has been selling beer in other markets since 1996, and now offers beer in 1,300 of its 1,800 locations nationwide. In June 2024, Target opened its first liquor store in Minnesota since the 1970s. This has come as a surprise to many customers, who are now able to purchase a wider range of alcoholic beverages, including beer, alongside their groceries.

Beer at Target Field

Target Field, home of the Minnesota Twins, offers a wide range of food and beverage options for fans to enjoy during games. Beer is available at Target Field, including Minnesota brews and craft beer options. In 2021, the Twins introduced new fan amenities and policies, including enhanced health and safety protocols, new food and beverage options, and reimagined gathering places.

One of the new bars at Target Field is the Gray Duck Bar, which is located in the area adjacent to the left-field foul pole inside Gate 6. The bar features signature drinks from the Minnesota-based brand Gray Duck Vodka. Another new addition is the Jack Daniel's Bar at Gate 34, which offers signature cocktails featuring the famous American whiskey. The Summit Brewing Pub, located down the left-field line of the club level, showcases beers from one of Minnesota's beloved craft breweries, Summit, the Twins' new Hometown Craft Beer sponsor.

To ensure the safety of fans during the COVID-19 pandemic, Target Field implemented physical distancing measures and required face coverings to be worn at all times, except when actively eating or drinking. To promote contactless interactions, the Twins encouraged fans to use the MLB Ballpark app for digital ticketing, mobile ordering, and payment. As a result of these measures, fans experienced shorter lines and more spacious concourses, allowing for a more comfortable and enjoyable game day experience.

In addition to the new bars, Target Field also offers a variety of food options, including local favourites such as Kramarczuk's Bratwurst and Polish Sausage, Red Cow burgers, and Pizza Luce. Fans can also find unique creations like the Blue Door Pub's Cease & Desist burger, which made its debut at Target Field in 2021. With a focus on safety, efficiency, and providing a diverse range of food and beverage options, Target Field strives to create a memorable and enjoyable experience for Minnesota Twins fans.

Liquor laws in Minnesota

Minnesota has a unique set of liquor laws that govern the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages within the state. These laws outline the legal drinking age, the days and hours of sale, the types of alcohol that can be purchased at specific locations, and other relevant regulations. Here is an overview of the liquor laws in Minnesota:

Legal Drinking Age: In Minnesota, the legal drinking age is 21, and individuals must be 18 or older to serve alcohol. These age restrictions are strictly enforced, and anyone under the legal drinking age found in possession of alcohol or providing alcohol to minors can face legal consequences.

Days and Hours of Sale: The days and hours during which alcohol can be purchased in Minnesota vary depending on the type of establishment and the day of the week. Off-premise alcohol sales, which include purchases from retailers for consumption elsewhere, are permitted from 8 AM to 10 PM, Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, off-premise sales are allowed from 11 AM to 6 PM. On-premise alcohol sales, such as those at bars, restaurants, and clubs, are permitted seven days a week from 8 AM to 2 AM.

Locations for Purchasing Alcohol: The type of alcohol that can be purchased at a particular location is regulated in Minnesota. Beer with an alcohol content of less than 3.2% ABV can be sold at grocery stores and gas stations. Wine and distilled spirits, on the other hand, are primarily sold at municipal liquor stores, also known as municipal-controlled stores. These stores are typically open during the same hours as off-premise sales, including from 8 AM to 10 PM, Monday to Saturday, and 11 AM to 6 PM on Sundays. Additionally, some towns in Minnesota have a monopoly on the sales of wine and spirits, which means that these beverages can only be purchased from specific retailers within those towns.

Special Licenses for Sunday Sales: It is important to note that retailers in Minnesota require a special license to sell alcohol for off-premise consumption on Sundays. This license allows them to sell alcohol from 11 AM to 6 PM on Sundays, providing an additional opportunity for residents to purchase alcoholic beverages outside of the regular weekday hours.

Open Container Laws: Minnesota has strict open container laws that prohibit open containers of alcohol in vehicles. Any open bottles of alcohol must be transported in the trunk of the vehicle to ensure compliance with the law.

Intoxication and DUI Laws: The state of Minnesota has a "per se intoxicated" rule, which means that anyone with a blood alcohol content (BAC) over 0.08% can be convicted of driving under the influence (DUI). This law is enforced to ensure the safety of individuals on the roads and to deter drunk driving.

Excise Taxes: Minnesota imposes excise taxes on the sale of alcohol, which are relatively low compared to other states. The excise tax rates are as follows: $0.15/gallon for beer, $0.30/gallon for wine, and $5.03/gallon for distilled spirits. These taxes are included in the price of alcoholic beverages sold within the state.

Target's entry into liquor sales

In states like California and Texas, Target stores may offer wine and beer, but the availability of hard liquor differs. Some states, such as New Hampshire, have more restrictive laws, allowing only government outlets to sell hard liquor, while others like Wisconsin and Washington provide a full range of liquor options at Target. Pennsylvania has an unusual rule, where beer can only be purchased in a grocery store if it has a restaurant that permits beer consumption on the premises.

Target's approach to liquor sales seems to be tailored to each store's location and compliance with local regulations. The retailer offers a variety of alcoholic beverages, including hard seltzers, canned cocktails, and top wines, with prices starting at $5. Same-day delivery and pickup services for alcohol may not be available in some locations, and annual subscriptions for unlimited deliveries are also offered.

The entry into liquor sales by Target is a strategic move to cater to a wider range of customer needs and preferences. By offering alcoholic beverages, Target enhances its position as a one-stop shop for various product categories, including groceries and beverages. This strategy is particularly appealing to customers who value convenience and a streamlined shopping experience.

Minnesota breweries

Minnesota is home to a thriving brewing industry, with a wide range of breweries producing different styles of beer marketed locally, regionally, and nationally. The state's breweries vary in size and scope, from small nanobreweries and microbreweries to large multinational conglomerates. In 2020, Minnesota ranked 12th in the US for its economic impact from craft brewing, generating $2.2 billion, and 13th for the number of craft breweries per capita, with 5.2 breweries per 100,000 adults.

The state boasts over 150 breweries, with new ones popping up all the time. Minnesota's breweries offer a diverse range of beers, from gluten-free options to unique craft beverages. Some well-known Minnesota breweries include:

• August Schell Brewing Company: The second-oldest family-owned brewery in the US.
• Bent Paddle Brewing Company: Established in 2009 in Vadnais Heights, with a taproom and brewery now located in Downtown White Bear Lake.
• Castle Danger Brewery: Offers flights of beer and is known for its craft beverages.
• Summit Brewing Company: One of the larger breweries in Minnesota with a wide distribution network.
• Surly Brewing Company: Another prominent brewery in Minnesota with a strong brand identity.
• Fair State Brewing Cooperative: A cooperative brewery that offers unique and experimental beers.
• Dangerous Man Brewing Company: Known for its innovative and bold beers.
• Indeed Brewing Company: A popular brewery with a wide range of beers.
• Beaver Island Brewing Company: A craft brewery with a focus on unique and experimental beers.

These are just a few examples of the many fantastic breweries that Minnesota has to offer. Each brewery has its own unique atmosphere, beer styles, and offerings, making the state a beer lover's paradise.

Beer and baseball

In Minnesota, this pairing is now more accessible than ever, with Target recently opening its first liquor store in the state since the 1970s. Located in Otsego, this Super Target offers a wide selection of beer, wine, and spirits, providing customers with a one-stop shop for all their game-day needs.

For baseball fans, the addition of a liquor store to Target's offerings is a game-changer. No longer do they need to make a separate trip to a specialty store for their alcoholic beverages. Now, they can stock up on snacks, grab some paper towels, and pick up a few six-packs, all in one convenient location.

The new Target liquor store in Minnesota is about 1,600 square feet and is considered a pilot project by the company. Target has been selling alcohol in other markets since 1996 and now offers beer, wine, and spirits in 1,300 of its 1,800 locations nationwide. The addition of alcohol to its Minnesota stores is a significant development, as the state has strict liquor laws, including separate entrance requirements and no Sunday sales.

So, the next time you're heading to a baseball game in Minnesota, remember that you can grab your beer and snacks all in one go at Target. And with a wide range of local and craft beers to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect brew to enjoy during the game.

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