The Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division sent warning letters to 14 different bars and restaurants in the state for not adhering to coronavirus restrictions placed on venues of that kind.
Investigators spent two weeks checking in on bars and restaurants and making sure they were enforcing Governor Walz's restrictions placed on them in Executive Order 74. The rules that were most looked at were mask requirements, capacity requirements that allow up to 50% capacity or no more than 250 patrons and social distancing measures.
The bars and restaurants who were sent letters of warning are:
- Neisen’s Sports Bar, Savage
- K & J Catering, North St Paul
- Route 47 Pub & Grub, Fridley
- Long Siding Bar & Grill, Princeton
- Danno’s, Anoka
- CoV, Wayzata
- Hoban Korean BBQ, Minneapolis
- Pablo’s Mexican Restaurant, Shakopee
- Arnie’s Friendly Folks Club, Shakopee
- Princeton Speedway, Princeton
- Rollie’s, Sauk Rapids
- Breakfast Bar, Minneapolis
- The Stadium, Annandale
- Cowboy Jacks, Minneapolis
The state didn't immediately punish the businesses as it is taking an "education before enforcement" approach to the offenders. The most common violation was employees not wearing masks.
MInnesota DPS Commissioner John Harrington says educating both businesses and customers is important to stoping the spread of coronavirus and getting the state reopen.
“By educating establishments and the public, our hope is that it leads to better compliance. We can all do our part to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and keep our businesses open by wearing a mask, social distancing and adhering to establishment seating limits.”
Futher violations could result in fines or loss of an establishment liquor license.
