Proof of vaccination or negative test required at Twin Cities establishments serving food, beverage

(KSTP) – Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter announced Wednesday a temporary policy for establishments serving indoor food or beverages.

The policy, which applies for licensed businesses at which food or drink is served indoors, will require customers to either show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative PCR or antigen test taken within 72 hours of the visit.

Officials said those defined as being fully vaccinated are those who completed the original course of shots—either the two-shot Pfizer or Moderna series or the single Johnson & Johnson shot.

City officials said the policy will take effect on Jan. 19. There is not an explicitly-listed expiration date for the policy, however, Frey said the policy is meant to be temporary.

Frey said the policy is a critical next step to avoid establishment closures.

"We want to stay open and we need to stay safer," Frey said.

City officials said examples of establishments affected by the policy include:

• Restaurants
• Bars
• Stadiums
• Bowling alleys
• Coffee shops and cafes
• Theaters
• Catering halls
• Convention centers

Schools and hospitals, as well as grocery stores, are exempt from the policy, city officials said. Additionally, the policy would not specifically apply to those picking up takeout, city officials said.

Additional details regarding which establishments the policy affects will be released by the cities at a later time.