Senator Housley’s ‘Save the Growler’ petition passes 10,000 signatures

As more Minnesota breweries approach the production threshold known as the “growler cap”, a petition to raise that threshold has garnered nearly 10,000 signatures. The petition, which was started by Senator Karin Housley (R-St. Marys Point), asks the governor and legislative leaders to raise or eliminate the “growler cap”.

“Our petition shows just how widespread the support is for the growler. In fact, Castle Danger Brewery in Two Harbors will stop selling growlers this weekend to comply with the law, and Lift Bridge Brewery in Stillwater, Bent Paddle Brewing Co. in Duluth, and Indeed Brewing Co. in Minneapolis are not far behind. These aren’t massive breweries; they’re small businesses homegrown in our communities – and we’re punishing them for success,” said Senator Karin Housley (R-St. Marys Point). “Last session, I introduced a bipartisan bill to change the cap. I will continue to aggressively push for this change when the legislature reconvenes.

Currently, Minnesota law restricts breweries from selling the 64 fluid ounce jugs of beer known as “growlers” if they produce more than 20,000 barrels of beer per year. The provision, known as the “growler cap”, applies to a growing list of Minnesota craft breweries. By contrast, the Brewers Association notes the federal definition of a “small” craft brewery is one that has an annual production of fewer than six million barrels of beer per year.

“Growler sales account for approximately 30 percent of taproom sales at Castle Danger – and that’s not insignificant. This isn’t about politics; it’s a bipartisan issue with bipartisan support. It’s about supporting our local businesses and allowing them grow,” Senator Housley continued.

Senator Karin Housley, of St. Marys Point, represents the Forest Lake area and the St. Croix River Valley in the Minnesota Senate. Senator Housley serves as chairwoman of the Family Care and Aging Committee and is an assistant majority leader.