“Legends’ management has received specific information about practices that need to change in order to comply with Stay Safe MN guidelines.”
The restaurant must remain closed until it can demonstrate compliance and enforcement of its COVID-19 Preparedness Plan.
“Given the exponential growth of COVID-19 cases in and around Olmsted County, these violations are particularly alarming. Our Environmental Health staff conducted a thorough investigation and will work with Legends’ management to help them come into compliance and maintain compliance,” said Sagar Chowdury, Olmsted County Environmental Health Manager.
“We owe it to our residents and businesses who are complying with the Governor’s Executive Order, to not allow willful violators to disregard or endanger the health of their employees, neighbors, and community members.”
The City of Rochester owns the building housing the bar and it’s not the only one downtown.
The City Council issued a warning to its businesses tenants Monday night to ensure they’re compliant with their lease terms. Councilman Nick Campion said a video originally posted on social media was sent to him showing guideline violations.
“When I get a report especially from businesses that are leasing space within city buildings, it’s obviously a huge concern,” Campion said. “We all have to take this seriously.”
Owner Jeff Fieseler denied the video circulating and said it could’ve been from the past.
Fieseler said there was no warning before leading to the suspension even though he had already been in contact with one public health staff member. Fieseler said with better communication, this might all have been avoided.
“If someone called me this morning and said we have an issue, we have 10 cases, we would’ve sat down and brainstormed what was going on,” Fieseler said.
All council members but Council President Randy Staver voted to issue the warning Monday.
“I have problems chastising businesses based on video snippets and ad hoc information conveyed on social media platforms,” Staver wrote in part in a statement. “I do worry about lack of due process.”
Staver also said Gov. Tim Walz’s latest restrictions on bars could put Legends out of business.
“Businesses are living week to week and increasingly more apt to just throw in the towel,” Staver said.
