Walz, Flanagan visit Little Thistle Brewing Co.

(ABC 6 News) – A new law is giving Minnesota breweries and distilleries expanded off-sale options. Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan visited Little Thistle Brewing Co. in Rochester to learn how this will impact businesses moving forward.

The new law allows smaller breweries to sell their beer in bottles and cans, and to have off-sale products in standard size cans. It also raises the cap on the number of barrels breweries can produce a year. Changes the governor said will give these businesses a chance to grow.

"We hope now is that breweries who choose to take advantage of the opportunity to either use their canning lines, make sure they’re doing something of their off-sale," said Governor Tim Walz. "These are more than just buildings and they’re more than just businesses. They’re a place of community and center us."

For Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, she said places like Little Thistle help her family and others come together.

"I’ve been here before and I’ve been here with my family, and have had lots of afternoon dates with my husband. To have good beer, but also just the community. Really, that’s what it’s all about," said Lt. Gov. Flanagan. "Creating those places and spaces where we can gather. Especially right now, it feels more important than ever to be able to just come together."

Another big piece of the bill extends the hours for alcohol sales for certain events like live World Cup watch parties.