Tattersall Distilling's Wisconsin move points to frustration with Minnesota liquor laws

Tattersall's decision to open a "destination" distillery and cocktail room in River Falls, Wis. has reignited frustration with Minnesota's liquor laws.

• "Because of Minnesota’s restrictive liquor laws, to maintain our presence in Minneapolis, we were forced to look outside of the state’s borders, Tattersall Distilling CEO Jon Kreidler said in a news release.

Driving the news: Tattersall, which will maintain its Minneapolis cocktail room, wouldn't be able to sell bottles and cocktails from its own facility once it passes 40,000 gallons of production annually, which it was on pace to reach before the pandemic.

What they're saying: "Example 3,854 of Dumb Minnesota Government," tweeted state Rep. Pat Garofalo (R-Farmington).

Of note: Tattersall's employees voted to unionize last summer, but the distillery did not cite that as a reason for opening in Wisconsin.

• United Here Local 17 told Minnesota Monthly: "We are continuing to stay in contact with them and have heard their concerns about MN Liquor laws."

Details: Regulations aside, here's what to expect when the new distillery opens this fall a quick 30-minute drive from St. Paul:

• 75,000 square feet of indoor space, with a restaurant that seats 150, a retail market, production area and a ballroom for up to 420 guests.
• An outdoor patio with fire pits, lawn games and space for 250 people.
• An amphitheater for weddings, concerts and festivals.

This story first appeared in the Axios Twin Cities newsletter, designed to help readers get smarter, faster on the most consequential news unfolding in their own backyard.

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