SAINT PAUL, Minn. – On Tuesday, Senator Aric Putnam (DFL-St. Cloud) presented his bill in the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee, aimed at establishing a retail license option with required liquor liability insurance for third-party delivery services, such as DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Instacart.
“Today’s hearing represents a critical step toward ensuring the safety and well-being of our communities, especially those who are vulnerable to the dangers of alcohol abuse,” said Senator Aric Putnam. “This bill is a direct response to the heart-wrenching reality that Wendy Manuel endured when she lost her daughter, Jacqueline, a loss that could have been prevented with stronger oversight of third-party alcohol delivery services. By requiring delivery services to obtain a license, ensure responsible alcohol delivery practices, and secure liquor liability insurance, we can hold these companies and drivers accountable and help prevent future deaths from alcohol-related incidents. This is about ensuring that no one else has to endure the pain of losing a loved one to preventable harm.”
The proposed bill requires third-party delivery services to obtain a third-party delivery off-sale liquor license in order to deliver alcohol. To secure this license, delivery services will be required to pay an annual fee of $500. The bill also sets clear requirements for delivery personnel: employees must be at least 21 years old and are responsible for verifying that recipients are also 21 or older. Additionally, all delivery employees will be required to complete alcohol awareness training. To further protect consumers, third-party delivery licensees must also maintain liquor liability insurance in accordance with section 340A.409.
Maryland and New Jersey have enacted similar laws establishing a retail license option with liquor liability insurance for third-party platforms. The bill was laid over for possible inclusion in an omnibus bill.
Vice Chair of the Higher Education Committee. He serves on the Jobs and Economic Development Committee and Taxes Committee.
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