Alcohol sellers would check shipments to restricted communities

Alcohol sellers shipping to restricted areas must check a statewide database and keep shipments within monthly limits. The rules cover shipments to residents of municipalities and established villages with the listed alcohol restrictions. A local government may set a lower monthly amount through a local-option vote. The limits apply by calendar month. Sellers must check before shipping and enter the shipment date and amount right away.

Local voters may choose listed limits on alcohol sales, and ballots for certain choices must explain what particular business licenses allow. These local-option choices apply to municipalities and established villages voting on alcohol sales. The ballot explanations apply to choices involving restaurants, beverage dispensaries, and package stores. Ballots must include the explanations when an election presents the listed choices.

Communities with specified alcohol restrictions may name sites for some deliveries or imports and may adopt certain alcohol limits by local vote or ordinance. The site and local-rule provisions apply to municipalities or established villages with the specified local options; the ordinance authority described here applies to municipalities. The site provision excludes shipments or imports of one liter or less of spirits, two liters or less of wine, or one gallon or less of malt beverages, and alcohol for certain licensed premises. A municipality's ordinance must follow state alcohol law; an alcohol-strength limit must be from 40 to 76 percent by volume.

After certain local votes, the state may not issue, renew, or transfer licenses for business types not allowed by the vote; some existing licenses become void. These provisions cover specified licenses within municipalities and nearby unincorporated areas, and within established villages where stated. The rules cover licenses not listed on the ballot in the areas specified by law. A license that expires during the 90-day period may be extended by paying a prorated part of the two-year license fee. If voters approve sales only at premises operated by the municipality, the municipality must apply for the approved license and follow its rules and fees. The 90-day period begins when election results are certified.