Restaurants, bars may defy order to stay closed

On Wednesday, Gov. Tim Walz was expected to announce whether he will continue his four week "pause" on bars, restaurants, fitness centers and other venues to slow COVID-19 cases.
The pause was due to end Friday, but this week nearly 200 bars and restaurants statewide were threatening to open their doors for business regardless of orders.
“When do we decide enough is enough and how much is this worth fighting for?” said Brian Sterling of Sterling’s Restaurant and Grille in Luverne.
“We’re thinking about opening and defying government orders.”
He and Howling Dog Saloon owner Jodi Reverts took to Facebook Live Sunday night to explain their rationale and seek support. They were joined by Codie Deutsch of 75 Diner.
“It’s not that we don’t take COVID seriously; we don’t want anyone getting sick,” Reverts said. “But while we’re closed, our customers are going across the border to shop and dine.”
They spoke about their employees being out of jobs and livelihoods and about their patrons not having local places to socialize.
“It’s been nine months,” Sterling said. “Some businesses didn’t survive the first round of closures.”
They thanked the community for local support and said the Facebook event was intended to seek community input about possibly defying orders.
 
More relief on the way — for those who abide by orders
On Monday, Gov. Tim Walz extended the Covid-19 peacetime emergency that gives the state flexibility in responding to the pandemic.
This includes safely and effectively distributing the vaccine. (See the related story.)
Legislators were also working on a $216.5 million aid package for state businesses hit hardest by pandemic closures.
The deal would include $100 million headed to restaurants, bars, breweries, bowling alleys, fitness centers and others that suffered a 30-percent loss since last year.
The Minnesota Department of Revenue will directly pay businesses, depending on their size and extent of losses.
In Rock County, most will qualify for $15,000 to $25,000.
The department of revenue will look at the businesses’ Quarter 2 and 3 earnings from 2019 and compare them to the second and third quarters of 2020.
If their losses are greater than 30 percent, they’ll get a check directly from the department of revenue — if they’re in compliance with executive orders.
The deal also includes $102 million that counties would distribute to local businesses and $14 million for movie theaters and entertainment venues. (See related story.)