The Minnesota Department of Health has announced it will take action against two more bars / restaurants that have reopened in violation of the state’s ban on dining services to reduce the spread of COVID.
The department has issued cease and desist orders against the Long Pine Store in Pine River and Jamieson’s on Main in Oslo.
The current ban on dinner service is in effect until Jan. 11, after the initial closing period that would end Dec. 18 was extended by Gov. Walz.
MDH says Long Pine Store was found to be open for “beverage consumption” during an inspection on Dec. 18, with the suspension and notice of license suspension on Dec. 24.
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An inspection at Jamieson’s on Main was conducted on Dec. 21 and was also found open to food consumption.
They join a growing list of institutions subject to enforcement action by either MDH, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, or the Minnesota Attorney General’s office.
“COVID-19 protocols are designed to slow the spread of this virus and mitigate the consequences of this pandemic,” said MDH Assistant Commissioner Dan Huff.
“Our preference is always to work with companies to bring them into compliance, and we see regulatory action as a last resort. The vast majority of companies are doing their best to slow the spread of COVID-19, and we owe them to a consistent and fair enforcement approach. “