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Library : Position Papers Minnesota Teamsters Statement: Wine in Grocery Stores The following has been sent to all Teamster DRIVE (Democrat Republican Independent Voter Education) endorsed State Senators and State Representatives. The Minnesota Teamsters began a series of meetings, starting in August 2001, with the Minnesota Municipal Beverage Association, the Minnesota Grocers Association, the Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association and the Minnesota Beer Wholesalers Association. At the conclusion of these meetings, the Minnesota Teamsters have decided to continue their opposition to SF 1107 (Sale of Wine in Grocery Stores). This was a difficult decision for our organization because we have local unions who represent members on both sides of the issue. We felt that the position of the Municipal Beverage Association was the most compelling of all. Their fear is if wine sales are allowed, beer sales will be next; up to 70% of their sales are beer. They stated that in 1999, there were 260 municipal liquor stores in 235 Minnesota cities, of which 50 are in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. These municipal liquor stores returned a profit of $18.2 million to their municipalities and their belief is the passage of SF 1107 will greatly impact the profitability of their liquor stores, which in turn would affect Teamster members who both live and work in these cities. It seems to us that talking about anything that would reduce revenue to these municipalities at a time when state aid may be further reduced is a bad idea. It has also come to our attention that over 115 cities and counties with and without municipal liquor stores have passed a resolution opposing SF 1107. Underage access is their biggest concern. We ask that you oppose passage of SF 1107. Thank you for your consideration in this matter. Yours truly, Don Gerdesmeier DRIVE Representative |