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Politics & Government

Southwest Businesses Hostile to Outdoor Seating Restrictions

Monday's public hearing at city hall is shaping up to be heated.

Minneapolis City Council Member Meg Tuthill is going to have to look pretty far and wide for any supporters from the Southwest business community to back her efforts to tighten outdoor seating and noise restrictions in establishments serving alcohol.

“We do not have a single member who is in favor of this proposed ordinance,” said Matt Perry, president of the Nicollet-East Harriet Business Association (NEHBA).

Tuthill, who represents the 10th ward, has been championing the effort to further restrict what restaurants and bars can do insofar as outdoor seating and noise levels for several months. But Southwest business owners said it's not relevant to the area's businesses.

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“Tuthill’s proposal really relates to places like downtown and Uptown, not areas where establishments like ours are located,” said Jerry Nelson of Jack’s Food and Wine. “We cater to a clientele that is roughly about 45 years old, not the types that make a lot of noise and get rowdy and while we do serve wine, we are basically a food-driven establishment.” Another local business owner declined to comment to avoid any blow-back from the city.

NEHBA’s Perry said his group is formally coming out in opposition to the proposed ordinance “as written.”

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“We think Tuthill’s proposal is well-meaning, but it overshadows important considerations,” Perry said.

He and his association are concerned that the ordinance is basically citywide in its application instead of addressing geographical areas where late night noise, public intoxication and property damage take place such as downtown or Uptown.

They also see potential impacts on establishments from language related to parking and zoning, as well as Sewage Availability Charges (SACs.)

“There is a lack of clarity in defining and measuring the problems itself and the language on enforcement is unclear which would lead to arbitrary enforcement.”

As reported in an earlier , these amendments, if adopted, will allow the City Council to impose new standards to regulate activities such as excessive noise, operating hours and loitering. The proposal does the following:

  • Bans outdoor amplification (like stereos) after 10 p.m.
  • Allows the City Council to reduce the hours of already licensed outdoor seating areas.
  • Requires the posting of a sign reminding bar-goers to respect neighbors and their property.
  • Posted sign also must have a phone number that is to be answered by a manager for complaints during all hours of operation.
  • Gives the City Council the authority to impose other restrictions on outdoor areas because of concerns of nearby residents.

NEHBA wants to see the city conduct a geographical analysis of the problem, thus focusing in on where the real problems occur.

They also want an education and outreach program by the city and businesses to make establishments aware of potential problems, and a voluntary pilot program to determine the impact on businesses and communities.

In the meantime, a Facebook site, Minneapolitans for Going Outside, has popped up, and as of Thursday evening nearly 2,200 people had "liked" it.

The Minneapolis City Council is holding a formal public hearing at 1:30 p.m., Monday, June 6, in the Chamber Council, Room 317 of City Hall.

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