Northfield City Council Approves Emergency Ordinance For Outdoor Services For Bars And Restaurants

Press release from the City of Northfield:

June 3, 2020

Last evening, the Northfield City Council eagerly approved an emergency ordinance geared at supporting our bar and restaurant businesses.

Interested restaurant and dining establishments must complete an application to extend their service area onto City owned property or right of way. The application must be reviewed and approved by the City before the expansion takes place.

Fill out an application that meets your business need

With the current pandemic situation, public health concerns have affected virtually all parts of our society. “Our local businesses have been among those with most dramatic impacts especially those with food and beverage services, where people have historically come to gather,” said Economic Development Coordinator Nate Carlson.

Limited outdoor service is now allowed under the Governor’s Executive Order 20-63.

Governor’s Executive Order 20-63

At the local level, staff and the Council have worked to identify ways to create flexibility for establishing or expanding outdoor food and beverage services that meet the State guidelines.

In order to accelerate approvals for potential business requests to resume operations in compliance with the requirements and restrictions set forth in executive orders issued by the Governor, the Council approved an emergency ordinance:

Northfield Emergency Ordinance Number 1012

“The City values the investment businesses make in our community. With this emergency ordinance in place, we hope added flexibility through this difficult time will help ease the burden on our bars and restaurants and provide opportunity for viable business operations with outdoor sales and service,” said Community Development Director Mitzi Baker.

This press release was produced by the City of Northfield. The views expressed here are the author’s own.