Is it Time for Minnesota to Give 3.2 Beer the Boot?

UNDATED -- Now that Minnesota is the last state still selling weaker 3.2 percent beer a State Senator is renewing her push to change Minnesota's liquor laws. Karin Housley says it's likely the major brewers won't continue to make 3.2 percent for just us here in the north star state.

Even in the state of Minnesota 3.2 beer consumption is less than one-half of one percent.  Why would you continue to make it when it's such a small sliver.

Housley says she will again introduce legislation during the next session to allow grocery stores and convenience stores to sell regular beer and wine.

Take the mandate off, take the government control off these businesses and allow them to sell stronger beer, which, again, we're the only state left selling 3.2 so why would anybody manufacture it.

Housley says her legislation would not impact hard liquor, which would still only be sold in liquor stores.

She says she doesn't believe the argument that a change in the law would impact small liquor store owners.

We've now got florists that are inside grocery stores, we've got coffee shops inside grocery stores, pharmacies inside Target and we still have independent florists, and coffee shops, and banks.  The business model of the world continues to change and evolve.

She says a change in the liquor laws would also help our growing craft brewery industry in our state.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for the Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association, Tony Chesak, says there's already over 150 grocery stores with full-on liquor stores. He says there are no convenience issues at this point, people can buy alcohol 91 hours and seven days a week.