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HF 5042

Hibbing; social district license issuance allowed.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Spencer Igo

Authorizes Hibbing to create a designated social district where approved licenses permit alcohol consumption within the district, with strict hours, containers, and disposal rules.

Introduction and first reading, referred to Commerce Finance and Policy
#alcoholicbeverages #citiesandtowns-specific #licenses
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Bill Summary · HF 5042

Summary of HF 5042 (2025-2026) — Hibbing Social District License

Purpose and Intent

  • Authorizes the City of Hibbing to establish and issue a social district license that allows consumption of alcoholic beverages within a designated social district. The framework permits consumption but not sales or service of alcoholic beverages within the district, except as described below for specific licensees.
  • The bill aims to create a controlled social district environment to regulate where people may consume alcohol beyond traditional on-sale premises.

Key Provisions

Section 1: Social District License; City of Hibbing

  • Eligibility for social district license (Subd. 1):
    • Hibbing may issue a social district license to:
    • An on-sale licensee (e.g., a bar or restaurant) whose on-sale premises are contiguous with the designated social district.
      • The license authorizes consumption (not sales or service) of alcohol sold by the on-sale licensee within the social district.
    • A municipal liquor store authorized by the city for on-sale of intoxicating liquor.
    • A caterer (caterer’s permit holder) for sales or service and consumption within the social district.
  • Designation of the social district (Subd. 2):
    • The city must designate and describe the social district premises via ordinance before issuing the license.
    • The district cannot include areas owned/controlled by a person who objects to the district extension.
    • The designation must specify:
    • The premises where consumption is allowed.
    • Proposed days/hours for consumption.
    • The district can be expanded to include premises in another city if:
    • Premises abut, and
    • Each affected city approves by ordinance.
  • Boundaries and signage (Subd. 3):
    • The district must be clearly defined with conspicuous signs showing:
    • Area included, and days/hours of allowed consumption.
    • The local law enforcement agency with jurisdiction.
    • A statement that alcohol purchased for consumption in the district may only be consumed within the district or in a neighboring approved social district, and must be disposed of before exiting unless reentering the licensed premises.
  • Management and maintenance (Subd. 4):
    • The city must establish and post management/maintenance plans on the city website, including boundary rendering and days/hours.
    • Plans must prioritize public health and safety.
  • On-sale licensee requirements (Subd. 5):
    • A social district on-sale licensee may only sell/serve alcohol on the licensed premises.
    • No re-entry of patrons with alcohol that was not purchased from the on-sale licensee.
    • Container requirements for beverages consumed in the district:
    • Container must identify the on-sale licensee.
    • Must display a logo/mark unique to the social district.
    • Must not be glass.
    • Must display, in at least 12-point font, the statement: “Drink Responsibly - Be 21.”
    • Container must hold no more than 16 fluid ounces.
  • Additional district requirements (Subd. 6):
    • Purchases must come from an on-sale licensee located in or contiguous to the social district.
    • Beverages must be in compliant containers (per Subd. 5).
    • Consumption only during days/hours set by the city (as in Subd. 2).
    • Individuals must dispose of any beverage before exiting the district unless reentering the original licensed premises where purchased.

Effective Date

  • The section becomes effective upon approval by the Hibbing City Council and compliance with Minnesota Statutes, section 645.021.

Who Is Affected

  • Hibbing City Government: Responsible for establishing, designating, and maintaining the social district; issuing social district licenses; setting hours and boundaries.
  • On-Sale Licensees: Bars/restaurants with contiguous premises to the district may obtain a social district license to permit consumption within the district (without extending sales/service outside their licensed premises).
  • Municipal Liquor Stores: May receive a social district license for on-sale of intoxicating liquor within the district.
  • Caterers: May obtain a social district license for sales/service and consumption within the district.
  • Residents and Visitors: Individuals within the social district and visiting patrons subject to district rules and signage; they must follow container, hours, disposal, and cross-district consumption rules.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Ordinance Requirement: The city must adopt an ordinance to designate the social district and specify boundaries, hours, and affected premises before issuing licenses.
  • Objectors: Areas in which ownership/control objects to inclusion cannot be included.
  • Inter-Jurisdictional Extension: If including premises in another city, that city must also authorize by ordinance; cross-city districts must abut.
  • Signage and Compliance: The district must have clear signage and be maintained with public health and safety in mind.

Notes

  • The bill focuses on consumption within the designated social district, with strict controls on where alcohol can be purchased, consumed, and disposed of, alongside container and branding requirements.
  • The text indicates the bill was introduced and referred to the Committee on Commerce Finance and Policy as of April 20, 2026.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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