×

Bar owners react to reopening

NEW ULM — Local bar and restaurant owners reacted favorably to Minnesota’s Stay Safe Plan announced by Gov. Walz Jan. 6.

Changes beginning at midnight, Jan. 11 include opening bars and restaurants at 50% capacity, with a maximum of 150 people. Parties of no more than six people must remain six feet from other parties. Bar seating is open to parties of two. Reservations are required and establishments must close between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m.

“Fantastic. That’s a good start. I’m looking forward to it,” said Lamplighter Sports Bar & Grill co-owner Herb Knutson. “I think that’s something we can live with and go from there, with restrictions improving along the way. We’re excited to reopen so we can see our customers again. They’ve shown a lot of support and we appreciate it.”

Sozial Restaurant & Bar co-owner Jeff Overby said “the holiday season was weird with an empty dining room for Christmas and New Year’s.

“It would be good news for the whole town to get back to some normalcy. It’s a step in the right direction,” said Overby. “It would be nice to get back to a full restaurant again. I know many restaurant owners feel the same way. I think the governor is facing pressure to get things going again. He’s not in an easy position.”

Kaiserhoff owner Jan Veigel she plans on reopening at 11 a.m. to closing on Friday and Saturday to start with.

“I can handle that. No problem. I’d be happy to open again,” said Veigel.

“It’s good news, just awesome that we could open. That’s all I can say,” said B & L Bar owner Rick Kamm.

Turner Hall Executive Director Andrea Boettger said the establishment will reopen slowly.

“We’ll stick with Thursday, Friday and Saturday openings. We’ll gauge demand from customers,” Boettger said. “We’re looking forward to continuing moving forward to open up. It’s challenging for any business to restart after being closed for so long. We’ll continue our take out program and look at extending deliveries.”

Boettger urged people interested in booking events to contact Turner Hall.

“Minnesotans’ sacrifice and commitment to their communities over the holiday season helped change the pandemic’s trajectory and save lives,” read the State of Minnesota Stay Safe Plan. “By nearly any metric, the pandemic is improving. The situation in Minnesota is undeniably better than it was last month.”

Safety practices the public is urged to follow includes wearing facial coverings according to Executive Order 20-81, always stay six feet from others, telework if you can and get tested.

Other plan aspects:

• Gym capacity remains capped at 25%, but maximum capacity rises to 150. Machines and people should maintain a 9 foot distance. Class size limits rise to 25 people, assuming social distancing can be observed. Everyone must be masked.

• Indoor events and entertainment open at 25% capacity, with no more than 150 people. Social distancing is required. Masks are strongly recommended but not required.

• Outdoor events and entertainment open at 25% capacity with no more than 250 people. Social distancing is required, masks are strongly recommended.

• Organized adult and youth sports games resume with spectators Thursday, Jan. 14. Spectators are limited to 25% capacity, up to 150 people. Outdoor spectators like other outdoor venues, 25% capacity, up to 250 people.

• A strong recommendation of virtual services only for places of worship, religious services, wedding and funerals.

• Receptions and private parties resume with limits. If food and drink are served, they are limited to two households or 10 people indoors, and three households or 15 people outdoors.

• Pools and swim parks open at 25% capacity.

• For more information, visit https://mn.gov/covid19/say-safe/stay-safe-plan/index.jps.

Fritz Busch can be emailed at fbusch@nujournal.com

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper?
   

Starting at $4.38/week.

Subscribe Today