Teamsters urge rejection of wine‑transfer bill that authors say prevents product spoilage

Representative Krisha described House File 901 as a limited bill to allow retail license holders to transfer white wine inventory between locations they own to correct imbalances and avoid spoilage. She said the sponsor would accept a volume cap and emphasized the intent was to move product already purchased, not to deregulate wholesalers.

Fabian Rohrs, president of Teamsters Local 792, urged the committee to reject HF901. Rohrs warned the measure would advantage large corporate retailers such as Total Wine and could be the first step toward broader changes in distribution that harm union and non‑union workers. "This provision is a step towards corporate consolidation in the liquor industry," Rohrs said, adding the Teamsters and the Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association oppose the bill.

Members asked about whether transfers would violate the three‑tier system, whether expired product would be moved, and whether a cap (Krisha said 75 cases was one option) or a requirement that transfers occur through three‑tier partners could address concerns. Representative Katia Zwatoone urged sponsors to consult stakeholders and consider limits so small independent stores are not disadvantaged; Krisha said she is open to a cap and to working with wholesalers or Teamsters to manage transfers.

The committee did not take a final vote on HF901 and laid it over for possible inclusion in the omnibus liquor bill.

Next steps: HF901 will be considered further as part of the omnibus process; sponsor indicated willingness to amend language to address volume and three‑tier concerns.