County shuts Rochester bar down for 3 days for COVID-19 violations
A Rochester bar has been ordered to shut down for three days for alleged COVID-19 violations.
Olmsted County announced Tuesday that it has suspended the food and drinks license for Legends Bar and Grill at 11 4th St. S.E
It comes after "repeated violations" of COVID-19 rules that includes "lack of physical distancing by staff and customers, lack of mask wearing by staff and customers, and violating the current occupancy requirement."
It's potentially linked to an event on Halloween, with MPR News reporter Catharine Richert saying she saw several images posted on social media showing guidelines being broken at the bar.
“Given the exponential growth of COVID-19 cases in and around Olmsted County, these violations are particularly alarming. Our Environmental Health staff conducted a thorough investigation and will work with Legends’ management to help them come into compliance and maintain compliance,” said Sagar Chowdury, Olmsted County Environmental Health Manager.
"We owe it to our residents and businesses who are complying with the Governor’s Executive Order, to not allow willful violators to disregard or endanger the health of their employees, neighbors, and community members."
Legends will be forced to shut down for three days, after which it must demonstrate compliance and enforcement of its COVID-19 preparedness plan.
It's the second time in recent months that Olmsted County has taken such action, with the same three-day license suspension being enforced on Dooley's Pub in September.