A Hennepin County judge has upheld the vaccine or negative COVID test requirement for Minneapolis bars and restaurants.
Several business owners sued the city and Mayor Jacob Frey over the mandate, and Judge Laurie Miller ruled that they were speculating financial losses were the result of the mandate.
In her ruling, Miller wrote that "the Court recognizes that the pandemic has had a devastating economic impact on bars and restaurants, but the City cannot be held responsible for general pandemic-related business losses."
Miller said it's possible sales were dropping because people wanted to avoid getting sick or didn't want to go out in the cold weather.
Minneapolis city attorney Jim Rowlander praised the judge's ruling in a statement:
"The City is pleased with Judge Miller’s decision in this case. At the end of the day, the City has been and continues to be focused on helping everyone in our community – residents and businesses -- safely navigate this incredibly challenging time."
Among those who filed the suit, which asked for a temporary restraining order to block the mandate, were owners of Smack Shack, the Gay 90's, Sneaky Pete's, Urban Entertainment, Wild Greg's Saloon, Urban Forage, and Jimmy John's.
The attorney for the restaurant owners say the ruling comes as business losses continue to mount.
It's not known if an appeal will happen.