More than a hundred Minnesotans businesses have reportedly pledged to defy Governor Tim Walz’s order that bars and restaurants remain closed for indoor service — although some in the administration say that number is inflated. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison says Ellison says he feels for businesses, but can’t let people spread COVID. “I do have a responsibility to enforce the law and we will take people to court if we need to,” Ellison says. “We will ask the court to impose fines if we need to, but we don’t want to. We’d like to get compliance. We’d like people to simply obey the law.
Officials at Hospitality Minnesota say they’re *not* part of the coalition to defy the governor’s order and are working with his office to find a better solution. But C-E-O Liz Rammer says more and more businesses are willing — out of desperation — to risk penalties to save their livelihoods.