(A) Historically, the city discourages the underage possession and consumption of alcohol, even if done within the confines of a private residence, and intends to assure that the ability of underage individuals to access alcoholic beverages is thwarted, and that sales to underage individuals are strictly enforced.
(B) The City Council finds that:
(1) The possession and consumption of alcohol by persons under the age of 21 is harmful to persons under the age of 21, and constitutes a potential threat to public health requiring prevention or abatement;
(2) Prohibiting underage consumption protects underage persons, as well as the general public, from injuries related to alcohol consumption, such as alcohol overdoses or alcohol related traffic accidents;
(3) Alcohol is an addictive drug which, when used irresponsibly, can have a significant impact on those who use it, as well as those who are affected by the actions of an irresponsible user;
(4) In order to ensure that municipalities have the ability to control the sale and consumption of alcohol within city limits, the state legislature adopted statutory language prohibiting the sale of alcohol by non-municipal dispensaries within the city;
(5) Further, Minn. Rules part 7515.0580 provides that “no off-sale retailer shall sell, ship, or deliver alcoholic beverages to purchasers in any county, municipality, or area where the sale or delivery thereof is prohibited by law”; and
(6) A deterrent effect on the consumption of alcohol by underage persons will be created by assuring that off-sale retail liquor stores located outside the corporate boundaries of the city are prohibited from delivering alcoholic beverages to locations within the city.
(C) Therefore, the City Council has determined that an ordinance prohibiting off-site delivery of liquor is deemed necessary to help further combat underage consumption, and is in the public interest.
(Ord. 281, passed 6-5-2018)