Minnesota takes action against 2 more restaurants that have reopened
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The Minnesota Department of Health has announced it is taking action against two more bars/restaurants that have reopened in violation of the state's ban on dine-in service to reduce the spread of COVID.
The department has issued cease-and-desist orders and notices of liquor license suspension against the Long Pine Store in Pine River, and Jamieson's on Main in Oslo.
The current ban on dine-in service is in place until Jan. 11, after the initial shutdown period due to end Dec. 18 was extended by Gov. Walz.
MDH says that Long Pine Store was found to be open for "beverage consumption" during an inspection on Dec. 18, with the cease-and-desist and notice of license suspension issued on Dec. 24.
An inspection at Jamieson's on Main was carried out on Dec. 21 and was also found to be open for the consumption of food.
They join a growing list of establishments that have been the subject of enforcement action by either MDH, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, or the Minnesota Attorney General's office.
“COVID-19 protocols are designed to slow the spread of this virus and reduce the impacts of this pandemic,” said MDH Assistant Commissioner Dan Huff.
"Our preference is always to work with businesses to bring them into compliance, and we consider regulatory actions as a last resort. The vast majority of businesses are doing their best to help slow down the spread of COVID-19, and we owe it to them to have a consistent and fair enforcement approach.”
