MDH issues cease-and-desist orders to 3 restaurants, license suspension notice to 1

The Minnesota Department of Health on Wednesday announced it issued cease-and-desist orders to three Minnesota restaurants and license suspension notices to one additional restaurant for violating COVID-19 restrictions.

MDH said cease-and-desist orders were sent to Cornerstone Cafe & Catering in Monticello, M.B.’s Little Gourmet Deli in Virginia and The Pour House in Clarks Grove due to violations of Executive Order 20-99. Additionally, a license suspension notice was sent to The Interchange in Albert Lea for repeated violations of the order.

All of the restaurants have been offering on-premises dining, which violates the executive order, MDH said.

MDH Assistant Commissioner Dan Huff said the enforcement actions are a last resort because education and outreach efforts failed.

"COVID-19 protocols are designed to slow the spread of this virus and reduce the impacts of this pandemic," Huff said. "Our preference is always to work with business 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."