Another Record Year for Municipal Liquor Stores

BLUE EARTH (AP) -- A state audit shows Minnesota's municipal-run liquor stores had another record year in sales.

Total sales for the 209 liquor stores statewide was $313 million in 2010, the 15th consecutive year of record sales. The Minnesota State Auditor's Office annual report says the stores had a combined net profit of nearly $22 million in 2010, a slight decrease from the previous year.

Minnesota municipalities were originally authorized to own and operate liquor establishments as a means of controlling sales of alcohol. For some communities, municipal liquor store profits have helped their bottom line.

Blue Earth paid off its bond on its store earlier this year and will build a park picnic shelter this summer using store earnings.