DPS warns 14 Minnesota bars, restaurants over COVID violations

Josh Skluzacek
[KSTP-TV]

Investigators with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division (DPS-AGED) and law enforcement partners have warned 14 bars and restaurants for failing to follow guidelines to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

DPS said investigators specifically looked for employees violating mask requirements, failure to social distance and establishments at more than 50% capacity, in violation of Gov. Tim Walz’s Executive Order 20-74.

KSTP’s Complete COVID-19 Coverage

During the two-week sweep, DPS said it surveilled 919 bars and restaurants in the state and sent 10 warning letters to those that violated all three areas of emphasis, plus four others back on June 26 for violating the order. The businesses that were sent warnings include:

  • Neisen’s Sports Bar, Savage
  • K & J Catering, North St. Paul
  • Route 47 Pub & Grub, Fridley
  • Long Siding Bar & Grill, Princeton
  • Danno’s, Anoka
  • CoV, Wayzata
  • Hoban Korean BBQ, Minneapolis
  • Pablo’s Mexican Restaurant, Shakopee
  • Arnie’s Friendly Folks Club, Shakopee
  • Princeton Speedway, Princeton
  • Rollie’s, Sauk Rapids
  • Breakfast Bar, Minneapolis
  • The Stadium, Annandale
  • Cowboy Jacks, Minneapolis

DPS said investigators spent time educating businesses and employees that violated one or two of the points of emphasis, with the majority of violations regarding employees not wearing masks. Some of the solutions included marking areas better for social distancing, educating people about masks, canceling bands and unplugging dart machines and similar things to establish better social distancing.

Authorities also found many customers violating the order by exceeding four people gatherings (or six for immediate family members) and by moving table and seats to be close to others.

"By educating establishments and the public, our hope is that it leads to better compliance," said DPS Commissioner John Harrington. "We can all do our part to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and keep our businesses open by wearing a mask, social distancing and adhering to establishment seating limits."