Public Policy Polling recently conducted a statewide
poll in Minnesota during May 31-June 3 (973
respondents, margin of error +/- 3.1%).
The results were released last week, with most
media attention focused on its findings on the
marriage constitutional amendment.
They also asked respondents about other issues, including the Vikings stadium deal and Sunday sales.
A summary of their results including crosstabs may be
viewed by clicking here.
Below are the results relating specifically to Sunday sales.
Overall results: "Do you support or oppose allowing Sunday liquor sales?"
59% support; 27% oppose; 14% not sure.
Support for or opposition to Sunday sales closely correlates
according to political ideology.
Among self-described "Very liberal" voters:
77% support; 14% oppose; 8% not sure.
Among self-described "Somewhat liberal" voters:
63% support; 21% oppose; 16% not sure.
Among self-described "Moderate" voters:
64% support; 24% oppose; 12% not sure.
Among self-described "Somewhat conservative" voters:
53% support; 32% oppose; 15% not sure.
Among self-described "Very conservative" voters:
40% support; 44% oppose; 16% not sure.
A majority of both men and women support Sunday sales,
though it is more pronounced among men.
Men: 64% support; 24% oppose; 12% not sure.
Women: 54% support; 30% oppose: 15% not sure.
Democrats and political independents strongly support Sunday sales, Republicans support it only in a plurality.
Democrats: 61% support; 22% oppose; 17% not sure.
Independents/other: 68% support; 23% oppose; 9% not sure.
Republicans: 46% support; 38 oppose; 15% not sure.
Support for or opposition to Sunday sales is colorblind.
Whites: 59% support; 27% oppose: 14% not sure.
Other: 63% support; 29% oppose; 7% not sure.
Not surprisingly, the younger respondents are, the more likely
they are to support Sunday sales.
18 to 29 year-olds: 70% support; 20% oppose; 14% not sure.
30 to 45: 76% support; 14 oppose%; 14% oppose; 10% not sure.
46 to 65: 54% support; 32% oppose; 14% not sure.
65+: 37% support; 42% oppose; 21% not sure.
So what does this all mean?
Like most polling, respondents often answer a question without full knowledge of an issue. Sure it would be more convenient for a person to purchase off sale alcohol on Sunday if they run out. But, is it good public policy? MMBA thinks not.
Sunday Sales is not about working hours. ("We don't want to work on Sunday / It is our only day off")
Alcohol is not a destination purchase. People don't get up and say "let's go alcohol shopping." It is an impulse purchase that in the vast majority of locations doesn't pay the day's bills. All of the Minnesota cars buying in Wisconsin on Sunday are coming from multiple locations to one store.
It is about spreading six days of sales over seven days of expenses.
In addition, as was shown in Colorado, Sunday Sales has the potential to lead to the elimination of 3.2 beer and ultimately Wine in Grocery.
Furthermore, a pair of research studies indicate a negative traffic safety component associated with Sunday Sales.
Bottom Line: It is up to you to educate the legislative candidates running for election this year in your area on this subject and indicate your opposition to the concept.
Contact the MMBA office if you need assistance.