MLBA Reacts to EO21-07, Slight Easing of On-Sale Restrictions

The MLBA has been deeply involved in negotiations to lobby for extended hours. One of the biggest frustrations is trying to make sense of how 6 people at a table are less “dangerous” as 2 people sitting at the bar and it is much more dangerous to be at a bar after 10pm. However, our efforts have paid off.

The MLBA has been the most outspoken group when it comes to doing business after 10pm. Most other organizations are not faced with this issue as their business models are not dependent upon doing business after 10pm. Well, we have been loud and persistent and it has garnered some support. As of tomorrow, you will be allowed to stay open until 11pm. You will also be allowed to increase maximum capacity in your establishments to 250 but still limited to 50% capacity.

The MLBA remains at the table and will continue to push for full opening. So far, there has been little flavor from the Governor’s camp to allow for 100% opening without restrictions in the immediate future. However, no one thought that we would be given this slight dial turn as soon as we did. We will not give up our campaign to fight for what is right and fight for your businesses. We are 100% dedicated to supporting and demanding more for our family run businesses.

Stay tuned for more to come but for now, stay warm and stay safe and let’s continue to fight together!

Tony Chesak
MLBA Executive Director

Read the full Executive Order from today here, and below is the press release from the Governor’s office.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 12, 2021
Contact: Teddy Tschann
[email protected]
651-402-8841

As Minnesota Makes Progress on Vaccinations, Governor Walz Announces Adjustments to COVID-19 Mitigation Measures

[ST. PAUL, MN] – As hospitalizations and the COVID-19 positivity rate continue to decline and the state makes progress in vaccinating those most vulnerable, Governor Tim Walz today signed Executive Order 21-07 to continue supporting Minnesota’s economic recovery and make adjustments to COVID-19 mitigation measures.

“Our small businesses have made enormous sacrifices for the health of their employees and communities,” said Governor Walz. “Today, we can make these cautious, common sense adjustments to support them because of the progress we have made controlling the spread of COVID-19 and getting the most at-risk Minnesotans vaccinated.”

“While current trends are encouraging, the discovery of new COVID-19 variants means that we need to stay vigilant and cautious. We are not out of the woods, and we must remember that, as we ease restrictions, the risk of transmission increases,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “Today’s step continues our careful balance of protecting the health and safety of Minnesotans while supporting economic recovery.”

Executive Order 21-07, effective Saturday, February 13 at noon, takes steps to further reopen Minnesota’s economy safely, including:

  • Increasing the “not to exceed” capacity in restaurants to 250, while leaving the maximum capacity at 50 percent
  • Increasing indoor entertainment “not to exceed” capacity to 250, while leaving the maximum capacity at 25 percent
  • Increasing private events and celebrations “not to exceed” capacity to 50, while leaving the maximum capacity at 25
  • Increasing gym and pool “not to exceed” capacity to 250, while leaving maximum capacity at 25 percent, and reducing distancing requirement to 6 feet.
  • Allowing restaurants to stay open until 11 p.m.

“While these measures are not a major dial turn, we know that they will make a difference to thousands of businesses and workers across the state,” said Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Steve Grove. “To keep making progress in growing our hospitality sector, it’s critical that we all remain vigilant in fighting COVID-19 by washing our hands, masking up and staying six feet apart.”

Executive Order 21-07 will have the full force and effect of law upon the approval of the Executive Council, which is made up of Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan, Attorney General Keith Ellison, Secretary of State Steve Simon, and State Auditor Julie Blaha.

More information on the state’s response to COVID-19 is available here.

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