Minnesota court affirms fines against bars that violated state's mask mandate

Court affirms fines against bars who violated mask mandate MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Minnesota appeals court panel has sided with the state health department over fines against bars that violated emergency safety orders during the coronavirus pandemic. The three judges, in a ruling issued Monday, affirmed the health department's authority to suspend the bars' license and levy fines. AP NEWS

The operators of two of the many bars that violated Gov. Tim Walz’s face mask mandate had appealed health officials’ actions against them. ...

The bar operators acknowledged they ignored the governor’s orders, arguing the mandate was unconstitutional because it lacked a rational basis. They also challenged the health department’s authority to enforce the orders.

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