MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Mayor Jacob Frey announced Wednesday that Minneapolis bar areas must change their operation guidelines due to the ongoing spread of COVID-19.
Indoor bar areas, including those in restaurants, must close starting at 5 p.m. on Aug. 1. Patrons are no longer allowed to stand around the bar and order their drink; instead, they must be seated, socially distanced, and in small groups.
Since bars reopened on June 1, Frey noted an increase in case rates for COVID-19. He said Minneapolis was looking to get ahead of the trend in the state, where people under 35 are getting sick with the virus.
In Minneapolis alone, nine bars have been tied to patron outbreaks of COVID-19, while three others have been tied to employee outbreaks.
“Across the country we’ve seen data clearly show that a night out at the bar is leading to nights in the hospital for family, friends, and neighbors,” said Frey. “By focusing on bar areas, which are proven to be hot beds for congregation and community spread, we can help keep Minneapolis trends stable.”
READ MORE: Are Restaurants Liable If Customers, Staff Get COVID-19?
The new guideline requires changes to taprooms, distilleries, nightclubs, and some restaurants. The space in front of the bar, which is usually reserved for dancing and socializing, could be converted into a seating area, said Frey.
An initial citation will cost the bar $200 dollars, but fines will double upon each infraction. If the violations continue, a bar could risk losing their liquor license.
Recently, MDH announced they had received 120 complaints about too many people inside restaurants and bars, and reports of employees not wearing masks.
RELATED: DPS Warns 14 Minnesota Bars and Restaurants About COVID-19 Safety Violations
According to Minnesota’s Dial Back Dashboard, daily new case numbers have been steadily on the rise. In Minneapolis, Frey said currently 18 people test positive for COVID-19 out of every 100,000. He’s hoping that number reduces to five people per 100,000.
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Mayor Jacob Frey Announces Bar Areas Must Close Again Due To COVID-19 Spread - CBS Minnesota
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