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The Minnesota Department of Health announced that it is taking action against two more bars / restaurants that reopened in violation of the state’s ban on dinner service to reduce the spread of COVID.
The department issued cease and desist orders and alcohol license suspension notices against Long Pine Store in Pine River and Jamieson’s on Main in Oslo.
The current ban on dinner service is in effect until January 11, after the initial shutdown period scheduled for late December 18 has been extended by Governor Walz.
MDH said the Long Pine Store was open for “drinking” during an inspection on December 18, with the license suspension issued on December 24.
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An inspection at Jamieson’s on Main was carried out on December 21 and was also considered open for food consumption.
They join a growing list of establishments that have been subject to enforcement actions by MDH, the Minnesota Department of Public Security or the Minnesota Public Prosecutor’s Office.
“The COVID-19 protocols are designed to slow the spread of this virus and reduce the impacts of this pandemic,” said MDH Assistant Commissioner Dan Huff.
“Our preference is always to work with companies to bring them into compliance and we consider regulatory actions as a last resort. The vast majority of companies are doing their best to help slow the spread of COVID-19, and we owe it to that have a consistent and fair application approach. ”