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May 31, 2020
The City of Saint Paul has streamlined processes for restaurant and bar owners who wish to safely reopen on June 1, as permitted by the Governor’s executive orders. On May 27, 2020, Mayor Melvin Carter issued Executive Order 2020-10, which allows for expanded use of outdoor space, waives associated fees and temporarily suspends some requirements related to licenses and permits.
The Mayor’s order covers restaurants, bars, brew-on-premise, general retail and other businesses. The order supplements guidance related to COVID-19 enforced by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), requiring businesses to:
- Develop and implement a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan;
- Open for outdoor dining or curbside pickup/delivery only;
- Ensure at least 6 feet of distance with maximum on-premises capacity to no more than 50 persons;
- Limit table service to 4 persons, or 6 if part of one family unit;
- Require reservations and not allow walk-in customers;
- Require masks or face shields to be worn by workers and strongly recommend masks for all customers; and
- Establish regular disinfection routine and train workers.
This letter provides information to businesses that currently hold active, 2020 sidewalk café permits and seasonal outside service area (patio) licenses, and to those businesses that need such permits and licenses. It also lists some provisions of the Mayor’s executive order.
City Permit and License Requirements
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If I am a . . .
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To safely reopen . . .
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Business owner who holds an active Seasonal Outside Service Area (patio) license. I will not be expanding my outside service area into property not owned by me.
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You may reopen on June 1, under the terms of your existing license, provided you follow DEED guidance and other legal requirements, such as Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations.
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Business owner who holds an active 2020 Sidewalk Café permit and will not be applying for a Temporary C-19 Seasonal Outside Service Area license.
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You may reopen on June 1, under the terms of your Sidewalk Cafe permit, provided you follow DEED guidance and other legal requirements, such as Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations.
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Business owner who wants to expand an existing seasonal outside service area into private property not owned by me, or create a new seasonal outside service area.
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You will need to submit an application for a Temporary C-19 Seasonal Outside Service Area license, and comply with the Liquor, Wine or Beer Requirements below. You also need to follow DEED guidance and other legal requirements, such as Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations.
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Business owner who wants to expand the footprint of my existing seasonal outside service area into my own privately-owned property (such as my business’s adjacent parking area.)
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You reopen on June 1 provided you follow DEED guidance and other legal requirements, such as ADA regulations. You will also need to submit the Site Plan required under the Liquor, Wine or Beer Requirements below. Submitting proof of insurance to the City is not required. The City will contact you with any questions about the proof of insurance already on file.
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Business owner who does not have a 2020 liquor license or Sidewalk Café permit. I want to create an outside seating area to serve food and non-alcoholic beverages on the sidewalk.
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Submit an application for a Temporary C-19 Right of Way Obstruction permit. You may proceed with opening June 1 if you submit a signed application and required insurance policy, follow DEED guidance and other legal requirements, such as ADA regulations.
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Business owner who has an active, unexpired liquor license. I want to create a new outdoor service area on the sidewalk and serve liquor, wine or beer there.
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You may not proceed with operations on June 1. You must submit an application for a Temporary C-19 Seasonal Outside Service Area license and a Temporary C-19 Right of Way Obstruction permit You must also follow the Liquor, Wine or Beer Requirements below.
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Applications: Find the application by clicking on this link Temporary C-19 Seasonal Outside Service License application . Access the City’s new online form at: stpaul.gov/covid19-restaurants
Liquor, Wine or Beer Requirements
Businesses that hold a license to serve liquor, or wine and/or beer, and wish to expand their current Liquor-Seasonal Outside Service Area (Patio) license service area and/or expand their Liquor Sidewalk Café license service area will need to submit the following:
- Site Plan - a drawing of the “compact and contiguous area” (per Minnesota State Statute) where the desired expansion of alcohol service will take place, showing table and chair placement 6-feet apart from one another.
- Land Use Authorization - Proof of ownership of service area(s) designated for expansion, or provide a written agreement showing that the neighboring private property owner authorizes the use of the area(s) designated for expansion.
- Insurance - General liability certificates that name the City will be required for applicants who want to establish new service areas on public property (sidewalks) or expand the service area of an existing, actively issued Liquor Sidewalk Café license. More information on insurance requirements is available here.
Requirements temporarily suspended for Seasonal Outside Service Area licenses and Sidewalk Café permits included in the Mayor’s order:
- All permit and license fees are waived;
- Public hearing and notice requirements are waived;
- Consent of neighboring property owners is waived, provided that legal authority exists (i.e., an agreement with a neighboring property owner) to use the proposed outdoor space;
- Business and temporary sign regulations are waived, except for traffic and safety sign requirements;
- Off-street parking requirements are waived, provided the establishment has the legal right to occupy the area and the parking is not required by the Americans with Disabilities Act; and
- Requirements for Conditional Use Permits are waived.
Sidewalk Café permits
If you have questions about your existing Sidewalk Café permit or how to apply for a Temporary C-19 Right of Way Obstruction permit, please contact Saint Paul’s Right of Way Division at 651-266-6151 or PW-ROWpermits@ci.stpaul.mn.us.
If you have questions about your existing Seasonal Outdoor Service Area license, or how to apply for a Temporary C-19 Outdoor Service Area license, please contact Ross Haddow at ross.haddow@ci.stpaul.mn.us.
To learn more about reopening, and find out about small business resources, including financial assistance and insurance claim guidance, visit stpaul.gov/covid19-restaurants.
To stay up to date on Saint Paul's COVID-19 response, sign up for daily updates at stpaul.gov/coronavirus.
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