Alcohol and Other Drugs

Reducing Underage Drinking

Finding Minnesota Alcohol Laws Resources and Lists of Laws

League of Minnesota Cities Bill Tracker -- Use the search form to find out more about current legislation affecting Minnesota cities. You can search by bill category, title, house or senate file number, legislative sponsor, or the LMC staff member assigned to it. Attention: Non-MDH link

Mothers Against Drunk Driving has compiled a useful comparison of
alcohol-related laws that do and do not exist in Minnesota.
Attention: Non-MDH link

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety has a new brochure titled
“What’s the Big Deal? Underage Drinking in Minnesota.”
The brochure includes a list of Minnesota State Laws regarding illegal alcohol use and sales, along with a description of the laws. Attention: Non-MDH link

Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Alcohol Enforcement Section -- Monitors alcohol, issues licenses, defines and approves regulatory practices. This office provides technical and field assistance to businesses and local units of government; initiates enforcement actions, resolves and mediates complaints on liquor violations; conducts formal hearings on violators; provides forums for discussion and resolution of liquor issues as authorized by M.S. Chapter 340A. Attention: Non-MDH link

Impaired Driving Penalties --To see a summary of penalties and sanctions for impaired driving look at the publication "Impaired Driving: Penalties and Driver License Sanctions" Attention: Non-MDH link

7515 Liquor Rules

7515 Liquor Rules online ­ To request a copy of the 7515 Liquor Rules in book form, please contact the State of Minnesota Bookstore. Attention: Non-MDH link

One of the rules (7515.0770) of interest to communities pertains to alcohol advertising -- Minnesota law requires all alcohol advertising to be approved by the Commissioner of Public Safety before publication. This applies to newspaper, periodical, or other advertising media including radio and television broadcasting. Attention: Non-MDH link

340A Liquor Laws

340A Liquor Laws online ­ To request a copy of the 340A Liquor Laws in book form, please contact the State of Minnesota Bookstore. Attention: Non-MDH link

Dram Shop Law

Minnesota’s dram shop statute -- Dram shop liability is a potentially powerful tool for changing the environment in which alcohol is sold. In addition, Responsible Beverage Server Training can help alcohol outlets comply with this law. Attention: Non-MDH link

Felony DWI Law

Beginning August 1, 2002, a driver can be charged with a felony if they are arrested for a fourth DWI within 10 years or were previously convicted of felony DWI.  If convicted, an offender may be sentenced for three to seven years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to $14,000. To see a summary of penalties and sanctions for impaired driving look for the publication
"Impaired Driving: Penalties and Driver License Sanctions"
Attention: Non-MDH link

Keg Registration

Keg Registration Information from Minnesota Department of Public Safety -- All keg beer sold at licensed off sale retail establishments in Minnesota must bear an identification label or tag with a registration number. Retailers shall not sell keg beer on or after August 1, 2002, that does not bear the mandatory keg registration label or tag, and consumer purchase records and keg registration label or tag information must be maintained on the licensed premises for a minimum of 90 days.

More info:Keg Registration Bill

More information on Beer Keg Registration from the University of Minnesota Alcohol ProgramAttention: Non-MDH links

Kevin’s Law

Increases criminal penalties on adult providers from a gross misdemeanor to a felony in certain cases. Text of Kevin’s Law (Brockway Bill) Attention: Non-MDH link

“Not a Drop” Underage Drinking Law

Minnesota statute section 169A.33 - States that “It is a crime for a person under the age of 21 years to drive, operate or be in physical control of a motor vehicle while consuming alcoholic beverages, or after having consumed alcoholic beverages while there is physical evidence of the consumption present in the person’s body.” Attention: Non-MDH link

Request “Not a Drop” campaign materials from the Minnesota Prevention Resource Center. Attention: Non-MDH link

Zero Adult Providers Law

Expands civil liability to include cases of adult provision of alcohol to youth. Allows injured parties the right to sue the adult provider to recover their damages.Text of Zero Adult Providers Law Attention: Non-MDH link