Walz signs bill allowing beer and wine to-go

Gov. Tim Walz on Friday signed legislation allowing bars and restaurants in Minnesota to sell beer and wine to-go during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The House approved the measure, 129-1, earlier Friday, and the Senate approved the bill, 65-2, Thursday.

Beginning at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, licensed restaurants will be able to sell up to 72 ounces of beer, hard seltzer or cider, and up to 750 milliliters of wine with a takeout food order. That works out to six 12-ounce cans of beer or a standard bottle of wine.

Minnesota House follows Senate, approves beer and wine to-go

Walz ordered bars and restaurants to shut down as of March 17 to enforce social distancing as the coronavirus pandemic started to take hold in Minnesota. While they’re allowed to offer takeout and delivery service, they’re now hoping beer and wine sales during the shutdown will help make up for some lost liquor sales.

"This is a small but important step to provide relief for the local restaurants that are struggling to keep their lights on during this pandemic," said Walz. "This will allow Minnesotans to continue to support their favorite local businesses. The restaurant industry is finding creative ways to keep Minnesotans fed and happy during this challenging time, and we’re going to help them out."