Will stealing a few water bottles from my previous retail store job, effect my chance of getting my guard card?

I know that in my area (not sure if it's local or state law in MN) employers cannot give "bad" references. They can refuse to give a ref at all, but it's illegal to say anything negative to a prospective employer. As long as you were never charged with a crime from that (that would show up on a background check) you should be ok. My fingers are crossed for ya, good luck!! :)