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Bill

HF 4776

Moorhead, Dilworth, and Detroit Lakes allowed to issue a social district license.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jim Joy

HF 4776 enables Moorhead, Dilworth, and Detroit Lakes to issue social district licenses for on-site alcohol consumption within approved districts.

Introduction and first reading, referred to Commerce Finance and Policy
#alcoholicbeverages #citiesandtowns-specific #licenses
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Bill Summary · HF 4776

Summary of HF 4776 (2025-2026) — Moorhead, Dilworth, and Detroit Lakes social district licenses

Purpose and intent

HF 4776 authorizes the cities of Moorhead, Dilworth, and Detroit Lakes to issue social district licenses. The bill aims to enable designated social districts within these municipalities to regulate and permit the on-site consumption of alcoholic beverages in certain public or defined areas, consistent with Minnesota’s social district framework. The measure sets up a legal pathway for these cities to create and oversee social districts, including licensing and related regulatory requirements.

Key provisions and changes

  • Authorization to issue social district licenses

    • The bill explicitly allows Moorhead, Dilworth, and Detroit Lakes to issue licenses for social districts. This creates a local regulatory framework for permitting on-premises alcohol consumption within specified districts.

  • Local licensing framework (implicit)

    • While the text provided does not detail all procedural steps, bills of this nature typically establish:
    • Application and licensing processes for social districts.
    • Requirements for licensees (e.g., operating hours, security, responsible beverage service).
    • Boundaries and designations of approved social districts.
    • Standards for alcohol service within the district.

  • Municipal oversight and enforcement

    • Local governments would be responsible for administration, enforcement, and compliance related to social district licenses, consistent with state law and any applicable state-administered social district rules.

  • Collaboration with state law

    • The provision aligns with Minnesota’s broader social district framework, meaning district operations would be governed by both local ordinances and state statutes/regulations governing alcohol sales, consumption, and public safety.

Affected parties and scope

  • Municipalities

    • Moorhead
    • Dilworth
    • Detroit Lakes

  • Licensees and activities

    • Businesses operating within approved social districts seeking on-site alcohol consumption or special district-related licensing.
    • Patrons who engage in alcohol consumption within the established social district boundaries.

  • Public and safety considerations

    • Potential impacts on public safety, traffic, noise, and neighborhood quality of life within and around social districts; subject to local controls and state alcohol laws.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and first reading

    • March 26, 2026: The bill was introduced and referred to the Commerce Finance and Policy committee.

  • Sponsor

    • Primary sponsor: [Co-sponsor] Jim Joy.

  • Next steps (typical legislative path)

    • Committee consideration (stated committee: Commerce Finance and Policy) with potential amendments.
    • Floor debate and votes in the Minnesota House of Representatives.
    • If passed, transmission to the Minnesota Senate for a parallel process.

Notes

  • The summary reflects the bill’s stated objective to authorize three specific cities to issue social district licenses. Detailed provisions (e.g., district boundaries, license fees, allowed activities, enforcement mechanisms) would be defined in the bill’s text or subsequent committee amendments. For a complete understanding, review of the full bill language and any fiscal notes or policy analyses accompanying HF 4776 would be necessary.

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

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