There have been some news stories about Minnesota bar and restaurant owners who plan on opening up early, before the possible June 1 opening date that Gov. Walz referenced last night during his COVID-19 press conference. So what can happen to a bar or restaurant owner/manager who decides to open up before the state says they can? Well, possible jail time and a cash penalty. 

According to a Tweet from the Director of Public Safety JD Carlson in Albert Lea last night after Governor Walz announced that main street businesses could reopen with the exception of bars, restaurants, hair salons, and tattoo parlors, violators would be reported to the Department of Public Safety's Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement division.

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Any owner/manager with 2 reported violations would be subject to being arrested and charged with a misdemeanor. The business itself would also face a $2,000 fine for each reported violation.


   


Of course, being charged with the violations would be up to the city or county attorney in the offending bar/restaurant's city or county of business. The Tweet shared from Public Safety Director Carlson also stated that the Department of Public Safety's Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division could also pursue charges civilly.

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