Re: SF 143

Sen. Bob Kierlin responded immediately and positively to my e-mail and phone call last week. Below is his response, followed by my letter. I emphasized the economic impact to the MN economy. John: You are correct. Our laws about the distribution of alcohol need updating. I believe this bill was up in the last two sessions, but didn't get any place. People up here are often afraid of letting consumers decide things for themselves. Hopefully the bill will make it this year. Bob Kierlin From: "John Longballa" <longballa(a)hotmail.com> To: "sen.bob.kierlin" <sen.bob.kierlin(a)senate.leg.state.mn.us> Subject: Please support S.F. #143 Date sent: Mon, 24 Mar 2003 16:10:01 -0600 BCC to: To the Honorable Senator Kierlin: I am a resident of Preston, MN, and an avid proponent of the Minnesota Brewing industry. I am writing you today to ask for your support of Senate File #143, which I believe will be discussed on Friday, March 28th. As you may know, 2002 was not a good year economically for the Minnesota brewers. Part of the demise of both the Page brewery and the Minnesota Brewing Company was due to economic forces beyond the control of the government; however, a portion of the impetus to the closing of these two historic employers (and of some Minnesota brewpubs) was due to archaic blue laws and a lack of common sense on the part of lawmakers of years gone by. We, as a state, will allow breweries from St. Louis and Milwaukee to infiltrate each and every corner of the malted-barley beverage market in this state, but we refuse to allow local brewers certain liberties that would assist them in their market-share battles against out-of-state entities. Many states (Wisconsin for one) allow their brewpubs to sell their wares in the form of a "growler," a handy off-premise container that allows a consumer to purchase her or his favorite locally-crafted malt beverage for home consumption. Many MN brewpubs would be able to remain afloat financially if their regular customers (and tourists) were able to take home growlers filled with the local brew. As more people discovered the well-made Minnesota beers, less attention would be paid to out-of-state products, and the Minnesota economy would receive a much-needed shot in the arm. These growlers are not any easier to to open and consume while driving than any currently-legal alcohol container, and thus the reasons against the use of growlers are difficult to understand. I ask you to please support Senate File #143, in order that the Minnesota brewing industry may continue to be a viable part of the economy, culture, and history of this state. Thank you for your time and for your consideration. Sincerely, John Longballa 201 Spring St. NE Preston, MN 55965 507.765.2517 _________________________________________________________________ STOP MORE SPAM with the new MSN 8 and get 2 months FREE* http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail