Minnesota debate: Should Sunday liquor sales be legalized?

In this time of economic hardship, it isn’t surprising that Minnesota lawmakers are debating whether to allow liquor sales on Sundays. Most states already allow this, with Minnesota being one of the only 13 states left to take on the more progressive business option regarding alcohol.

According to local reports, this year more of the public wants lawmakers to lift the ban on Sunday sales. That allegedly popular opinion, however, faces equal passion from those who think that Sunday sales could lead to a higher rate of drunk driving and alcoholism among Minnesota residents, whom laws are meant to protect.

The Star Tribune reports that of more than 800 Minnesotans recently polled, about 62 percent of them think that stores should be able to sell alcohol every day of the week. Sunday has been off limits for more than 100 years due to religious reasons, though opposition to the legislative proposal isn’t merely faith-based.

Some are surprised when they hear that it is liquor store owners who largely do not want Sunday sales legalized in Minnesota. Why is that? Even though it sounds like open Sundays would mean more money for the stores, sources report that owners and employees appreciate having a day off during the work week.

Advocates for the proposal see that Minnesota is losing money to nearby states that allow Sunday sales, such as Wisconsin. Financial loss is hard to accept during an economic boom, but even more difficult to swallow in these dark times.

When representatives presented the Sunday alcohol sales proposal on Tuesday, the House ultimately didn’t hear the bill. It sounds like no change to the Sunday sales law will happen until lawmakers take on the issue next year.

Source

Star Tribune: “Minnesota Poll: Most say: Yes, sell liquor on Sundays,” Eric Roper, 11 May 2011

Max Keller has won countless jury trial cases involving misdemeanors and felonies, sex crimes, and DWI’s. He is a member of the Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice, which only allows the top 50 criminal defense attorneys in the state as members. Max is a frequent speaker at CLE’s and is often asked for advice by other defense attorneys across Minnesota.

Years of Experience: Approx. 20 years
Minnesota Registration Status: Active
Bar & Court Admissions: State of Minnesota Minnesota State Court Minnesota Federal Court 8th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals State of Maryland

What to Do If You Have Been Charged with a Criminal Offense

Digital Evidence in Sex Crime Cases: How Your Online Activity Can Be Used Against You in Minnesota

Prosecutors in Minnesota use digital evidence in sex crime cases to connect suspects to crimes. They analyze the chronological order of online events and statements to show intent, motive, or premeditation. The common types of evidence used in sex crime investigations include direct, actual, and circumstantial evidence.

Can You Be Charged With a DUI If You’re Sleeping in Your Car in Minnesota?

One of the questions DUI lawyers in the state often answer is: Can you be charged with a DUI if you’re sleeping in your car? You can face DUI charges in Minnesota even if you are not actively operating your car. The “physical control” law states that anyone with the capacity to drive a vehicle while intoxicated can get arrested and charged with DUI.

Understanding Solicitation and Enticement Laws in Minnesota

Recently, a sex sting operation in Bloomington, Minnesota, led to the arrest of at least 14 men, including former Minnesota Senator Justin Eichorn. The operation involved undercover officers posing as minors online, engaging with individuals who sought to solicit sexual conduct.