It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. With Governor Walz announcing new COVID-19 restrictions on Wednesday that require restaurants and bars to pause in-person dining beginning Friday at 11:59 PM, local breweries and bars are scrambling to reduce their inventory of draft beer as it will be bad by the time people are allowed back inside, hopefully, December 18th.

One local brewery Mineral Springs Brewery in Owatonna recently invested in igloos for the outside of the brewery for patrons to enjoy a beer inside. A post to the brewery's Facebook page on Wednesday indicated that the brewery was looking at how to refund peoples' reservation fees for the igloos, and also announced its new off-sale hours once the restrictions take effect.

 

Per Governor Walz’s order today, MSB wishes to announce the following:
- This week: Taproom and igloos open Thursday...

Posted by Mineral Springs Brewery on Wednesday, November 18, 2020

 

Mineral Springs Brewery wasn't alone in navigating the changes that are now just hours away from being implemented. Bars across the state have implemented Gov Walz Specials on tap beers in order to reduce what they have hooked up to their beer lines. Kellys Corner in Centerville posted about their beer 'sale'.

 

Governors Tap Beer special!
All taps are only $2 until the kegs are gone. Choose any one of our wonderful 16 tap lines. Now thru Friday.

Posted by Kellys Korner Bar and Grill on Wednesday, November 18, 2020

 

The American Legion in Montgomery was also announced that they are looking at reducing what they had on tap as well going into the 4-week pause.

 

Hi to the best customers! We are open today and tomorrow. Please come on in and join us. Help us reduce our beer inventory!

Posted by American Legion Post #79 on Thursday, November 19, 2020

 

Some area bars/restaurants had already closed out of an abundance of caution with COVID-19 concerns like the Crooked Pint in Faribault.

 

Minnesota leaders indicated that they will know if the 4-week pause was successful if they see:

  • Hospital admission rates drop
  • A drop in the average case rate per county
  • Positivity rates from COVID-19 testing decrease.

So what can you do to help? Buy gift cards today, get takeout today so you can still visit and frequent these local businesses tomorrow. BUY LOCAL!

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