Walz Imposes New Limits on Bars, Restaurants, Gatherings

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has ordered Minnesota bars and restaurants to stop serving at 10 p.m. and is limiting attendance at weddings, funeral and social gatherings under new restrictions aimed at slowing the accelerating spread of the coronavirus.

The new rules, which start taking effect Friday, are aimed at young adults, ages 18 to 35, who are often carriers of the virus without showing symptoms and are among the primary spreaders in the state.

The new limits will kick in shortly before college students return home for Thanksgiving. The changes target people who mingle without masks after too many drinks.

Social Gatherings

• Limit of 10 people for indoor and outdoor gatherings.
• Three households or less, including the host.
• Effective at 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13

Receptions Including Weddings and Funerals

• Phased approach to attendance limits 50-person limit on November 27th.
• 25-person limit on December 11th.
• The events cannot take place between 10 PM and 4 AM.
• No change to the actual wedding, funeral or similar planned ceremony - only the connected reception or celebration.

Bars & Restaurants

• 50% capacity, with no more than 150 people total.
• Counter closed for seating and service, unless counter-only service establishment.
• Patrons must be seated at tables.
• No bar games that require standing (darts, pool, etc.).
• No service from 10 PM to 4 AM.
• Goes into effect this Friday, November 13th at 10 PM.