Guidance on Allowable Product Sales in Liquor Stores
Dear licensee:
As new laws are passed, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division (AGED) will share guidance on any implications for the liquor industry. Under state law, exclusive liquor stores cannot sell products containing CBD, hemp or THC.
Minnesota statutes govern items that exclusive liquor stores can sell. Allowable items, and changes to allowable items, are vetted by the Minnesota Legislature. For example, citrus fruit and glassware were items added via the 2022 Liquor Omnibus.
CBD, hemp or THC infused beverages are not intended to be mixed with alcoholic beverages and are specifically excluded from the definition of food. That is why they are not classified as soft drinks under state statute.
Exclusive liquor stores may sell the following under state statute:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco products
- Ice
- Beverages, either liquid or powder, specifically designated for mixing with intoxicating liquor
- Soft drinks
- Liqueur-filled candies
- Food products that contain more than 0.5 percent alcohol by volume
- Cork extraction devices
- Books and videos on the use of alcoholic beverages
- Magazines and other publications about the use of alcohol beverages
- Multiple-use bags designed to ensure safe storage and monitoring of alcohol in the home
- Home brewing equipment
- Clothing marked with the specific name, brand or logo of the liquor store
- Citrus fruit
- Glassware
An exclusive liquor store that has an on-sale, or combination on-sale/off-sale, license may sell non-THC food and beverages for on-premise consumption when authorized by the municipality issuing the license. It may also offer live or recorded entertainment.
More information is in this FAQ from the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy.
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