NEW ULM – Sweet Haven Tonic will expand into Minnesota Street, at least for the summer.

Sweet Haven Tonics applied for and received approval for a temporary outdoor patio in front of the business. The patio will use two on-street parking stalls. Authorization of the temporary outdoor patio allows use of the public right-of-way from May 21 to November 1. The agreement allows Sweet Haven to extend its liquor licenses into the patio space.

This is the second time Sweet Haven has applied for the downtown patio. In 2023, it hosted a patio in the same location.

City Councilor Tom Schmitz said he greatly appreciated the downtown park-lets and they increase the options for socializing outdoors.

“I wouldn’t mind seeing more of these amenities downtown,” he said.

Councilor Larry Mack made the motion to approve the patio application, which was unanimously approved by the council.

In addition to the patio, the council authorized further liquor license extensions for Sweet Haven Tonic during special events throughout the summer.

The liquor license extension applies for six events including a car and bike roll-in on Saturday, June 14; a second roll-in Saturday, July 12; Crazy Days celebration Saturday, July 26; Spikin’ in the Street Volleyball Tournament, Friday, Aug 1 through Saturday, Aug. 2; a third car and bike roll-in on Saturday, Aug. 16 and a four car and bike roll-in on Saturday, Sept. 13.

It is common for the council to extend liquor licenses for Minnesota Street businesses during special events, but typically these extensions are approved one event at a time.

Council President Andrea Boettger asked if the city could expect to see other businesses submit liquor licenses extension for multiple events?

City Manager Chris Dalton said the city changed how licenses extensions were approved. Any of the businesses that want to participate in annual downtown events are being asked to apply for all at one time. Sweet Haven Tonic was first to submit an application under the new approval system.