SLEEPY EYE — The Sleepy Eye City Council unanimously approved an application for a 3.2 beer license for the Family Dollar store on Tuesday.

Action came on Councilor Nate Stevermer’s motion, seconded by Scott Krzmarzick.

Sleepy Eye City Manager Bob Elston said the city currently has two other businesses that sell 3.2 beer — Meyer’s Bar & Lounge and Freedom Valu Center.

Minnesota is reportedly the last state that still requires grocery and convenience stores to only sell 3.2 percent beer. Utah dropped its 3.2 beer requirement in 2019.

Sales of 3.2 beer were an issue 40 years ago when many states had regulations differentiating consumption to 18 to 21-year-olds, according to a National Public Radio (NPR) report.

In the mid 1980s, the country adopted a uniform minimum drinking age of 21. Most states got rid of 3.2 beer regulations.

August Schell Brewing of New Ulm still produces 3.2 beer including Schell’s (regular), Schell’s Light and Grain Belt Premium are sold to baseball parks in addition to convenience and grocery stores.

“We continue to make it (3.2 beer) because we still have customers,” said Schell’s brewery president Ted Marti. “It’s obviously a very small amount, about two-tenths of one percent of what we make. Once grocery stores got into beer and Sunday liquor was approved. it was the kiss of death for 3.2.