Bill would expand liquor sales at arenas

A state legislator introduced a bill Thursday that would allow alcohol sales at Mariucci and Williams Arenas.

Rep. Dan Schoen, DFL-St. Paul Park, wants to allow alcohol to be sold to the general public at University of Minnesota sporting events in the arenas. Currently alcohol is only served in premium seats.

The Legislature passed a bill last year allowing alcohol in TCF Bank Stadium and the University Board of Regents approved the measure in July.

Again, the regents must approve alcohol sales before the bill could take effect.

The University brought in more than $900,000 in sales from alcohol at TCF last season, according to school officials.

The bill was referred to the House Commerce and Consumer Protection Finance and Policy Committee with 13 co-authors signing on. A hearing for the bill is not scheduled yet.