COVID-19: Bar And Restaurant Checklist For Customers

MINNESOTA — Minnesota health and safety officials are finding that most of the state's bars and restaurants are doing a good job following the safeguards and guidelines for curbing the spread of coronavirus.

Compliance teams that recently visited more than 150 bars and restaurants in several communities found that most of the establishments are working to comply with COVID-19 executive orders.

Compliance teams conducted checks in Mankato, St. Peter, Waseca, Faribault, and New Ulm Aug. 28 and 29; and Carver and Scott counties Sept. 4 and 5.

Out of 167 establishments visited:

• 88 establishments were observed following the safety and health requirements.
• 79 bars and restaurants were not in compliance, with one or more minor violations.
• Of those not in compliance, 31 bars and restaurants were referred for follow-up inspections by MDH and DLI for issues such as customers and workers not wearing masks when required, failure to maintain social distancing, and a lack of COVID-19 Preparedness Plans and worker training.

Here's a checklist from the state that customers can use to ensure a bar or restaurant and the people visiting it are following the COVID-19 protocols:

• Establishments are requiring customers to make reservations.
• All employees are wearing face coverings at all times over their mouth and nose.
• Customers are wearing face coverings over their mouth and nose at all times while indoors unless they are eating or drinking.
• Customers are maintaining six feet of social distancing while waiting to be seated, to use the restroom, to order a drink or food, or to pay their bill.
• All customers are seated at tables limited to parties of four, or six if members of the same household, and tables are six feet apart.
• Signs are posted that communicate face covering requirements to customers and workers.
• Establishment are filled to no more than 50 percent capacity, with a maximum of 250 people, with social distancing.
• Establishments have developed and implemented a COVID-19 preparedness plan.

"We applaud the efforts of the many establishments and customers doing the right things and protecting workers and the public," said Minnesota Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm in a news release.

"We know the past six months have been tough for Minnesota’s bars and restaurants and we also know that if proper precautions are not followed in these settings, the result can be accelerated spread of COVID-19 in the community. These enforcement efforts are aimed at ensuring that the minority of businesses that are not following the guidelines bring their establishments into compliance."