ST. PAUL, Minn. — The chief lobbyist for the Minnesota booze industry, Tony Chesak, doesn’t much like Governor Tim Walz continuing limits on indoor service. “Today’s news is not only devastating, it’s shameful and unjust,” he said. Chesak, who represents the Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association, said that the hospitality industry has complied in good faith with mask mandates, limited service, and yet has only seen 1.76% of COVID cases tracked back to bars and restaurants. Cheska said the governor’s provision for limited outdoor dining in the middle of a Minnesota winter was silly. Also paltry, he said. “While Governor Walz’ dials turn, more and more of Minnesota’s restaurants and bars will be forced turn their lights off permanently.”
Chesak. Sees blanket rules mean near elimination of entire industry.