REP. GROSSELL URGES WALZ ADMIN TO STOP HARASSING LOCAL BUSINESSES

CLEARBROOK, MN — State Representative Matt Grossell, R-Clearbrook, and more than 50 other Republican lawmakers sent a letter to Gov. Tim Walz Monday in response to a letter sent last week by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) informing hospitality industry leaders of stepped-up compliance checks that could result in fines, forced closure loss of liquor license, workplace investigations, and more. Previously Gov. Walz has stated that enforcement of state mandates and regulations were to be "educational" in nature rather than punitive.

"Restaurants across our state have been devastated by the pandemic and how the Walz Administration has handled it, all while there is little evidence that bars or restaurants are contributing to the spread of COVID-19," said Rep. Matt Grossell. "The Walz Administration has made a habit of standing in the way of business— from stalling Line 3 to these threatening letters— while protesters and rioters are being handled with kid gloves. This has to stop, Minnesotans are struggling, restaurants are especially struggling, and the actions of this state agency are not helping anyone.”

According to estimates from Hospitality Minnesota, just 2.3% of total state cases have been traced back to restaurants and bars, and there have been just over two dozen restaurants specifically identified as sources of outbreaks.

The letter urges Gov. Walz to "reassess the tone and approach your agencies are taking" with restaurants and bars, and urges state agencies to be partners rather than adversaries in efforts to combat COVID-19.