Minneapolis City Council Faces Backlash Over Hotel Liquor License Decisions

Proposed license revocations could cripple key downtown event venue, experts warn.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The Minneapolis City Council is facing criticism for its proposed actions to revoke liquor licenses for several downtown hotels, including a move that could severely impact The Depot, a major event venue that draws visitors to the city's core. Experts warn that these "performative politics" could deal a devastating blow to Minneapolis's economy at a time when it can ill afford such self-inflicted wounds.

Why it matters

The Depot is a crucial economic driver for downtown Minneapolis, hosting a steady stream of events and visitors that support local businesses. Revoking its liquor license could cripple the venue's operations and have ripple effects across the city's struggling hospitality and tourism sectors.

The details

The City Council is considering revoking liquor licenses for several downtown hotels, including The Depot, a large event venue that hosts conferences, concerts, and other gatherings. Proponents argue the move is necessary to curb problematic behavior, but critics say the Council is engaging in "performative politics" that could devastate one of the city's most important event spaces.

  • The City Council is expected to vote on the license revocations in the coming weeks.

The players

The Depot

A major event venue in downtown Minneapolis that hosts conferences, concerts, and other gatherings, drawing a steady stream of visitors to the city's core.

Minneapolis City Council

The governing body of the city of Minneapolis, which is considering revoking liquor licenses for several downtown hotels, including The Depot.

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What they’re saying

“This isn't just about some hotel bars. One of the licenses is for the Depot in downtown Minneapolis, a massive event venue that draws a steady stream of visitors to the city's core. Yanking its license would be an extraordinary own goal for a city that's already in an economic crisis.”

— Eric Roper, Columnist (startribune.com)

What’s next

The Minneapolis City Council is expected to vote on the proposed liquor license revocations in the coming weeks, a decision that could have significant implications for the city's economic recovery.

The takeaway

The Minneapolis City Council's proposed actions to revoke liquor licenses for downtown hotels, including a key event venue, risk further damaging the city's economy at a time when it can ill afford such self-inflicted wounds. Experts warn the Council is engaging in "performative politics" that could have devastating consequences for the city's hospitality and tourism sectors.