Minnesota municipal liquor stores see profit hike during pandemic

With bars and restaurants closed or restricted at times in 2020, liquor stores reaped the rewards.

Details: Municipal off-sale liquor stores posted a combined $32.9 million profit on $410 million in sales in 2020, which is a 35% bump in profit over 2019, according to an annual municipal liquor operations report by the Office of the State Auditor.

• 179 Minnesota cities have some kind of liquor operation, be it a retail store or a bar.

By the numbers: Here are the top five grossing cities that have municipal liquor:

1. Lakeville: $18.3 million
2. Richfield: $13.3 million
3. Edina: $12.1 million
4. Eden Prairie: $11.7 million
5. Apple Valley: $10.9 million