Minneapolis and St. Paul enacted draconian vaccine passport mandates. Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter unilaterally implemented the vaccine passport on January 12th with Executive Order 2022-4. It took effect on January 19th and covers restaurants, bars, bowling alleys, movie theaters, concerts, performances, sporting events, etc. At the same time, and in coordination with Carter, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey unilaterally mandated the same thing.
To gain entry to these businesses, you must carry paperwork showing you are fully vaccinated or have taken a test within 72 hours. On top of that, all patrons must wear a face mask.
Ironically, the vaccine passport mandates explicitly state that they do not apply to staff, employees, performers, etc., because the Minnesota Supreme Court already ruled that this would be unconstitutional.
The local ABC affiliate is already conceding that the vaccine passport mandate has had a major negative impact on businesses in the Twin cities. However, it has benefitted suburban businesses outside of the cities’ limits. Restaurant owners, with multiple locations, say customer traffic at Minneapolis locations has dropped 30-40%, while suburban locations have seen a surge.
Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter’s Execute Order 2022-4:
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Melvin Carter, Mayor of the City of Saint Paul, do hereby issue the following Emergency Executive Order:
Regulations
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Effective January 19, 2022, any licensed business that is a space of public accommodation in the City of Saint Paul during any time that food and/or drink is sold or served indoors for consumption onsite shall limit admission of patrons to the area of the licensed premises where food and/or drink is being consumed, to only those persons who furnish proof of a completed vaccination series against COVID-19 or a negative COVID- 19 test obtained within seventy-two (72) hours of entry.
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Effective January 26, 2022, any licensed business, during any time that a ticketed event is being held, that is a space of public accommodation in the City of Saint Paul during any time that food and/or drink is sold or served indoors for consumption onsite shall limit admission of patrons to the area of the licensed premises where food and/or drink is being consumed, to only those persons who furnish proof of a completed vaccination series against COVID-19 or a negative COVID-19 test obtained within seventy-two (72) hours of entry.
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This regulation shall not prevent any business from establishing more strict requirements for its workforce, contractors, volunteers, customers or clientele, including requiring all persons onsite to be vaccinated (to the extent otherwise permitted under applicable law).
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Athletes, performers, and supporting staff (such as coaches, trainers, road crew, and similar supportive staff) competing or performing at any space of public accommodation subject to this regulation are not subject to the regulation, provided that the facility follows all supplemental COVID-19 safety measures.
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Any facility hosting an event or activity (on a one-time or ongoing basis) that holds a license issued by the City of Saint Paul is not subject to these requirements for a specific event if no food or beverages will be consumed at the event and the facility follows all supplemental COVID-19 safety measures.
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All employers of businesses that are spaces public accommodation subject to this Regulation shall comply with OSHA standards 1910.501(e) and (g), as existing on the date of issuance of this Emergency Regulation, relating to employee vaccination status and testing at covered locations, regardless of the number of their employees.
