(St. Paul, 3/16/2020) — The Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association (MLBA) represents Minnesota’s small, family-owned bars and restaurants. Today Executive Director Tony Chesak made the following statement:
“Small business leaders at bars and restaurants feel great responsibility for the role played in the lives of our guests and staff. This is even more important during a challenging time. Individual bars and restaurants are making decisions and evaluating the situation day-by-day as they are on the front lines of serving customers.
Unfortunately, bars, restaurants and employees are now left with a devastating situation with little income, and continued expenses and obligations. Some restaurants and bars will not survive closure without immediate and decisive action from the government.
We believe in prioritizing the safety of our employees and our guests, but we must call upon our government leaders to announce plans to mitigate the devastating economic effects for workers, bars, and restaurants. This could include payroll tax relief, among other actions.”