Minnesota House Republican Unveils New Sunday Liquor Bill

ST. PAUL (AP) - A leading Republican in the Minnesota House is introducing a new bill to allow Sunday liquor sales in Minnesota.

Jenifer Loon of Eden Prairie, the deputy Republican leader, says Monday it's time for state government to abolish a law she calls outdated and against free enterprise. Supporters of lifting Minnesota's Sunday prohibition got a boost recently when Gov. Mark Dayton said he'd sign a bill if the Legislature passes it.

Loon says she expects bipartisan support, though past efforts to lift the ban have fallen far short of legislative majorities.

Opponents cite the concerns of some independent liquor store owners who want one day a week to be closed without worrying about competitors.  Loon's bill tries to address that by letting local governments set hours and rules for Sunday sales.