St. Louis Park's Simon Supports 'Surly Bill'

For the second time this session, Rep. Steve Simon finds himself grappling with a significant liquor bill.

Two weeks after proposing a bill that would , 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 many breweries, it is being introduced now because 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, arguing 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 is estimated to employ 150 and create 85 construction jobs.

“I think from time to time, an exception is warranted,” Simon 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 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, in part because it has already generated some controversy. But Simon noted that the House bill already has some bi-partisan support, as it has both Republican and Democrat authors, and he is hopeful this is one area where the state's traditionally strict liquor laws can be changed.

"This might be a place to lighten up," Simon said.

 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.

Rep. Ryan Winkler

• Joined the so-called "Surly bill," HF0703, which would allow certain breweries to also sell glasses of their own beer on-site. The bill was introduced Thursday and referred to the Commerce and Regulatory Reform Committee.  

Sen. Ron Latz

• Proposed the Senate-version of Simon's House 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. SF0407 was introduced Feb. 21 and referred to the Capital Investment Committee.