North Branch Liquors opened as a municipal liquor store in North Branch in 1948. The city established the liquor store as a revenue-producing department. Today, the purpose of municipal liquor stores is to “Promote moderation and control in the sale and use of alcohol beverages, while simultaneously generating income for the community.”
The staff at the store, headed by manager Deb Dahlberg, continually works to ensure alcohol and tobacco products do not fall into the hands of minors. One way they do this is to ID all members of a group that are in the store together, regardless of who is actually making the purchase. If all members of the group cannot show proof of being 21 years of age, no one in the group can buy the alcohol. No one under 21 is allowed in the store unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
The store employs 10 people – two full-time managers and eight part-time clerks. Many of the store’s staff members are very knowledgeable and capable of assisting customers with their selections for purchase, particularly in the wine department.