About our Stores

Why we have Municipal Liquor Stores?

On February 10, 1948, the Saint Anthony Village City Council passed an ordinance to form a municipal liquor store operation. To this day, the profits from the liquor operations provide a much needed revenue source for our community. The November 27, 1947, edition of the Minneapolis Star newspaper reported that nine metro-area communities were operating municipal liquor stores with glowing results. Profits from these stores paid for fire trucks, the development of city parks and public works equipment. The Village of Excelsior reported that "one-third of the cost of operating the Village is paid with profits from the municipal liquor store." Two months later, the Village of Saint Anthony passed an ordinance to open their own municipal liquor store and the rest is history.

In 2023, a total of 177 Minnesota cities operated 213 municipal liquor stores, with 86 cities operating both on‐sale and off‐sale liquor establishments, and 93 cities operating off‐sale liquor stores. Minnesota municipalities were originally authorized to own and operate liquor establishments as a means of controlling the sale of alcohol. For many communities in greater Minnesota, municipal liquor operations provide access and convenience in areas that might be unable to attract a privately‐run establishment. In addition to these functions, profitable municipal liquor operations have provided another source of revenue to supplement traditional tax and fee revenues. 

SHOP SMART. SHOP LOCAL.  100% of our store profits go back to the community

The money you and your neighbors spend at Saint Anthony Village Wine and Spirits stays in the community! We appreciate our customers shopping local. Our profits continue to be used for the betterment of our city. Please contact me if we can assist you with anything that would provide a better shopping experience for you and your neighbors. Our profits are transferred to the City's General Fund and can be used to provide property tax relief and supplement general fund purchases.

“Without municipal liquor profits, cities would need to either reduce their budgets or increase their fees and property taxes.”
“Residents also benefit from a publicly owned asset that generates an economic return on equity and capital, putting taxpayer dollars to productive use.”

Awards

At St. Anthony Village Wine and Spirits we pride ourselves on our vast selection of beer, wine, and liquor. Check out our decades-long list of Awards for our Products, and our Operations. 
Best Liquor Store, Sun Focus, 2014
Best Liquor Store, Lillie Suburban Newspaper, 2014, 2013, 2012
Best of Community, Lillie Suburban Newspaper, 2014, 2013, 2012
Best Wine Selection, Lillie Suburban Newspaper, 2012, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2001, 2000
Best Beer Selection, Lillie Suburban Newspaper, 2013, 2009, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2003, 2002
Facility of the Year,  Minnesota Municipal Beverage Association, 2005