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SF 4813

Manufacturers and wholesalers engagement in the sale of nonalcoholic productions authorization

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Gary Dahms

Minnesota SF 4813 allows manufacturers and malt liquor wholesalers to promote and distribute nonalcoholic products more actively, with specific spending limits, while keeping safeg

Referred to Commerce and Consumer Protection
#commerceandcommercedepartment #liquor
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Bill Summary · SF 4813

Summary of SF 4813 (2025-2026) – Minnesota

Title

Manufacturers and wholesalers engagement in the sale of nonalcoholic productions authorization

Purpose and Intent

SF 4813 amends Minnesota Statutes to permit manufacturers and malt liquor wholesalers to engage more actively in the sale of nonalcoholic products. The bill preserves current prohibitions on direct financial inducements or other improper conduct related to alcoholic beverage sales, while explicitly allowing certain interactions and practices in the nonalcoholic product sector. The overarching aim appears to align nonalcoholic product distribution practices with the normal business activities already allowed for alcoholic products, subject to guardrails to prevent cross-incentives that could promote alcoholic beverage purchases.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Affected Statute: Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 340A.308 (prohibited transactions).

  • Prohibition Scope (unchanged elements):

    • No brewer or malt liquor wholesaler may directly or indirectly provide money, credit, or other value to a retailer.
    • No retailer may solicit equipment, fixtures, supplies, or value from a brewer or malt liquor wholesaler where such furnishing is prohibited by law.
    • Some existing prohibitions remain, including restrictions related to retail licenses and certain financial arrangements.

  • Expansive but Limited Allowances for Nonalcoholic Products:

    • Manufacturers or wholesalers selling nonalcoholic products may engage in:
    • Furnishing, lending, or renting to retailers signs and promotional materials up to a cost of $400 (excluding installation/repair).
    • Furnishing, lending, or renting interior design items and other promotional materials up to a cost of $300 per year.
    • Furnishing and maintaining dispensing equipment for malt beverages (nonalcoholic or otherwise) up to $100 per tap per year.
    • Use of property owned since November 1, 1933 for selling intoxicating or 3.2 percent malt liquor at retail (permitted ongoing use).
    • Extending customary commercial credit to retailers in connection with the sale of nonalcoholic beverages only.
    • Engaging in cooperative advertising agreements with retailers in connection with the sale of nonalcoholic beverages only.
    • In the case of a wholesaler, selling beer on consignment to a holder of a temporary license under specified sections, with prior written consent of the commissioner (subject to certain conditions).

  • Safeguards and Limitations:

    • The practices above related to nonalcoholic products must not be used as unlawful inducements to purchase alcoholic beverages.
    • The provision explicitly notes that it does not apply to products regulated under Chapter 342 (which governs alcoholic beverages).

Who Is Affected

  • Manufacturers and malt liquor wholesalers involved in the sale or distribution of nonalcoholic products.
  • Retailers that sell nonalcoholic beverages and may receive promotional materials, signage, or other approved items from manufacturers/wholesalers.
  • The Minnesota Commerce and Consumer Protection framework, through the commissioner, oversees approvals and consents where applicable (e.g., temporary beer licenses on consignment).

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Status: Introduced and referred to the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee on March 25, 2026.
  • Next steps: Committee consideration, potential amendments, and eventual floor votes in the Minnesota Senate; if passed, the bill would move to the House and onward through the legislative process.

Practical Impact

  • Provides clearer permissions for nonalcoholic product marketing and distribution activities by manufacturers and wholesalers, including modest spending thresholds for promotional materials and equipment.
  • Maintains strong safeguards to prevent nonalcoholic promotions from being used as a substitute or enticement to purchase alcoholic beverages.
  • Balances promotional flexibility with the existing regulatory framework governing alcoholic beverage transactions.

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

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