In Minnesota, there are heavy restrictions on alcohol sales that many other states do not have. It wasn’t until 2006 that liquor stores were able to stay open until 10 p.m. We can’t buy beer and wine at grocery stores or gas stations. And we can’t buy alcohol on Sundays.

Rep. Phyllis Kahn, DFL- Minneapolis, has introduced a bill that would allow state liquor stores to be open on Sundays. Despite some opposition, we think that Kahn’s idea is relevant and could help modernize our liquor laws.

There are plenty of reasons one may want to pick up a bottle of wine or case of beer on Sunday: there are family get-togethers, sporting events and, for many, Sunday is their day off. While many do choose to go to the bars to drink, Minnesotans should have the ability to purchase alcohol to drink outside of establishments.

Also, in this time of economic instability, liquor stores should be able to choose whether they want to be open on Sundays based on whether they will make a profit. While some stores won’t make much from the extended hours, others will absolutely and should be able to take advantage.

While not being able to shop for liquor on Sunday has been a minor inconvenience that Minnesotans have learned to deal with, there aren’t many strong reasons that stores shouldn’t be able to stay open on Sundays if they want to. Some argue that the ability for stores to be open on Sunday will be a slippery slope to more relaxed liquor laws. Others argue that the extension will create safety issues.

Despite concern, we feel that it is time for Minnesota to allow liquor sales on Sundays. If the stores can make a profit, they should be able to do so.