SF 1425

as introduced - 92nd Legislature (2021 - 2022) Posted on 03/26/2021 01:55pm

A bill for an act
relating to state government; easing restrictions on bars, restaurants, and certain
other places of public accommodation in greater Minnesota.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. new text begin COVID-19 BAR AND RESTAURANT RESTRICTIONS IN GREATER
MINNESOTA.
new text end

new text begin (a) For purposes of this section "greater Minnesota bars and restaurants" means bars,
restaurants, and other places of public accommodation that offer food, beverages, or tobacco
products for on-premises consumption and are not located in the seven-county metropolitan
area or a city of the first class.
new text end

new text begin (b) Except as provided in paragraph (e) and notwithstanding any law or executive order
to the contrary, beginning April 1, 2021, greater Minnesota bars and restaurants are exempt
from executive orders promulgated in response to a peacetime emergency declared and
extended for the infectious disease known as COVID-19 that limit occupancy, require
physical distancing or facial coverings, or otherwise direct or control the conduct of persons
at bars, restaurants, and other places of public accommodation.
new text end

new text begin (c) The following restrictions apply to greater Minnesota bars and restaurants and may
be enforced as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 12.45:
new text end

new text begin (1) all employees must wear a face covering while Emergency Executive Order 20-81
or a subsequent executive order requiring face coverings in bars, restaurants, and other
places of public accommodation is in effect; and
new text end

new text begin (2) food, beverage, and tobacco service must end no later than 11:00 p.m. each night.
new text end

new text begin (d) By May 1, 2021, the commissioner of health must report whether available evidence
indicates that the easing of restrictions under this section caused a statistically significant
increase in new COVID-19 cases in greater Minnesota. If the commissioner of health cannot
conclude that the easing caused a statistically significant increase, the 11:00 p.m. restriction
under paragraph (c), clause (2), expires May 1, 2021.
new text end

new text begin (e) After the effective date of this section, if the commissioner of health determines that
a greater Minnesota bar or restaurant is the source of a statistically significant increase in
new COVID-19 cases, the establishment shall be subject to executive orders promulgated
in response to a peacetime emergency declared and extended for the infectious disease
known as COVID-19 that limit occupancy, require physical distancing or facial coverings,
or otherwise direct or control the conduct of persons at bars, restaurants, and other places
of public accommodation.
new text end

new text begin (f) At least weekly during the peacetime emergency, the Office of the Governor must
update bars, restaurants, and other places of public accommodation regarding COVID-19
case rates, the status and development of relevant executive orders, and other pertinent
information.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment and
expires the same day that the peacetime emergency declared and extended for the infectious
disease known as COVID-19 expires, is terminated, or is rescinded by the proper authority.
new text end