Restaurant Group On Walz's Restrictions: 'Disastrous Setback'

TWIN CITIES, MN — Restaurant and bar owners across Minnesota were frustrated at the news Wednesday that they still won't be able to serve customers inside their buildings. Gov. Tim Walz announced plans to allow limited outdoor dining at restaurants and bars starting June 1, but indoor dining will not be allowed.

"The news today was surprising and disappointing, especially given the many conversations we’ve been having with the Governor and the Hospitality Roundtable convened by DEED Commissioner Grove," Hospitality Minnesota — the state's lodging, restaurant, resort and campground association — said in a statement.

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"While it’s good for those restaurants that are able to offer outdoor seating, it will leave many behind around our state who cannot host patrons in an outdoor patio setting. Many of our operators have begun to hire back their staff to use their PPP loan money and ordering products for reopening on June 1, so this is another disastrous setback for them."

The group said that Wednesday's announcement "further delays the incoming revenue these small businesses need to survive."

"If these businesses are being asked to remain closed or mostly closed, then they need the State’s help with a targeted relief package that provides the support our businesses need to navigate this financial catastrophe."

Outdoor dining in Minnesota

Outdoor dining can begin on June 1, with restaurants maintaining social distancing and seating no more than 50 patrons at a time. In addition to outdoor dining, restaurants and bars will be able to continue to offer takeout, curbside, and delivery services, which have been permitted throughout the pandemic in Minnesota.

Growing frustration

Minnesota's hospitality industry is not the only sector frustrated that more restrictions have not been lifted.

The Catholic Bishops of Minnesota announced Wednesday that they will go ahead with their plan to allow larger public Masses, even while Walz's order related to COVID-19 limits worship services to 10 people or less.

The bishops say Walz has ignored their pleas to allow for public Masses, despite their cooperation.

Read more: MN Catholic Bishops Plan To Defy Gov. Walz's Order, Will Reopen