Minneapolis breweries thrilled after city OKs Sunday growler sales

Local brewpubs and taproom owners are raising a glass to celebrate the Minneapolis City Council's overwhelming approval of a measure that allows for the sale of growlers on Sundays.

"We've been waiting a long time for this," said Jamie Robinson, owner and head brewer of Northbound Smokehouse & Brewpub. "We are expecting pretty high sales."

Minneapolis is one of the first cities in the state to approve Sunday growler sales, which city leaders say will support the burgeoning craft brewing industry.

Starting June 14, brewpubs and taprooms can begin selling the 64-ounce refillable jugs of beer on Sundays. The measure, which passed 13-0, also allows restaurants to serve bloody marys and other drinks starting at 8 a.m., rather than 10 a.m., on Sundays.

For Town Hall Brewery general manager Scott Krebsbach, the vote means he will no longer have to turn away Sunday tourists at the South Washington Avenue brewpub who are looking to take home some beer.

"It's kind of difficult to keep explaining the different laws we have in this state," he said.

The council's vote came after a new state law enabled cities to decide whether to allow Sunday growler sales. Despite the change, state law still prohibits liquor stores from selling alcohol on Sundays.

"We're really excited that breweries will be the only place to get a beer on Sundays to go," said Matt Hauck, director of operations of the Fair State Brewing Cooperative, located on Central Avenue.

Minnesota cities currently selling growlers on Sunday include Montgomery, Rochester and Shakopee. St. Paul sales are expected to start in July.

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery general manager Lou Hernandez said he sells 10 to 15 growlers a day at the brewery in downtown Minneapolis. He expects Sunday sales to double that amount.

"It's fantastic," he said. "Just the benefit of Sunday sales are going to entice people."

Beatrice Dupuy • 612-673-1707