Sunday Liquor Sales Supporters Optimistic

St. Paul, MN (Learfield Wire Service) - Backers say they have strong momentum this year for allowing liquor stores to be open on Sundays in Minnesota.

Governor Mark Dayton says, “I’ll sign it if it comes to me, but I’m not investing a lot of effort — or much of any effort — in it one way or the other.”  A vote is expected in the Minnesota House next week.

Opponents warn the additional cost of being open on Sunday will force mom-and-pop liquor stores out of business. Backers respond there’s nothing that forces them to be open.

Dayton says, “I never understood why liquor sales and automobile sales are singled out to be prohibited on Sundays.” He argues religious reasons for banning Sunday liquor sales are reduced because of the diversity of Minnesota’s population, and the debate has come down to one economic self-interest against another.

(by Bill Werner - Minnesota News Network)