Sieben Edmunds Miller Advises MN Bars and Restaurants that Don't Comply with Executive Order to Close Due to COVID-19 are Subject to Criminal Charges

MENDOTA HEIGHTS, Minn., March 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The law firm of Sieben Edmunds Miller would like to remind bars and restaurants in Minnesota that decide to stay open despite the Governor's Order to close, that they may be subject to criminal penalties including fines and possible jail time.

On March 16, 2020, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz issued a series of executive Orders shutting down restaurants and bars in Minnesota.  But what if a business owner decides to ignore Governor Walz and keeps their bar open? 

"We know the Governor has the authority to issue these closures and want to alert affected businesses to the penalty they could face if they choose to ignore the Order," said Kevin Sieben, partner at Sieben Edmunds Miller.

Sieben references the relevant Chapter of the Minnesota Statutes.  Minnesota Statute § 12.45 states:

"[A] person who willfully violates a provision of this chapter or a rule or order having the force and effect of law issued under authority of this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction must be punished by a fine not to exceed $1,000, or by imprisonment for not more than 90 days."

"The seriousness of this Order means that if a bar owner or a restaurant manager chooses to stay open anyway, they could go to jail for up to 90 days and be forced to pay a penalty of up to $1,000," said partner, Sam Edmunds.  "The state could also charge the owner for each day the business remains open," he added. 

"All in all, whether you believe shutting down bars and restaurants is a good idea or a bad one, it is the law of the land," said Sieben.  "Violations will be dealt with strictly.  It is our advice to keep the public safe and try to weather the storm," he added.   

Sieben Edmunds Miller is a criminal defense and personal injury law firm serving clients in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The firm was recently featured as Law Firm of the Month in Attorney at Law Magazine.

SOURCE Sieben Edmunds Miller