The Minneapolis City Council moved a step closer to adopting a citywide dress‑code ordinance after the Business, Housing & Zoning Committee voted unanimously on Tuesday to advance the measure. The draft would require any establishment licensed to sell liquor or beer to post its dress‑code requirements clearly at the entrance.
Purpose and Scope of the Ordinance
Council members said the ordinance is intended to address what they describe as “velvet rope discrimination” – the practice of denying entry to patrons based on race, gender, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics. The rule would not interfere with existing state‑mandated health and safety policies such as “no shirts, no shoes, no service,” which remain under state jurisdiction.
Council Members’ Statements
Committee chair Councilmember Jason Chavez, who identifies as LGBTQ, cited a recent incident at a downtown bar where a White patron wearing a Twins shirt was allowed entry while a Black patron wearing the same shirt was turned away. Chavez also recounted being denied entry to a bar while wearing a rainbow‑colored pouch, noting that a patron with a similar pouch in black was admitted.
“I can understand why some people may not understand racism exists in this country, but it does,” Chavez told local media. “What we’re trying to do is make sure that people are transparent about their dress code to help prevent that discrimination.”
Fellow councilmembers Pearll Warren and Jamal Osman voiced support, emphasizing that appearance‑based exclusion should have no place in modern Minneapolis. “Picking and choosing based on your look or your dress or your culture should not be tolerated. We’re not in the 1950s here,” Osman said.
Warren added, “If an establishment is saying no ball caps, and jerseys are allowed in this establishment, then have that posted outside. Otherwise you cannot discriminate against people coming in with ball caps and jerseys.”
Councilmember Michael Rainville, speaking to Fox News Digital, said he expects the ordinance to pass the full council based on the committee’s unanimous backing. “I am not in a position to disagree with my fellow council members of color that this racism persists in the bars and restaurants. If posting dress‑code rules alleviates community concerns, then so be it,” Rainville said.
Next Steps
If the full City Council approves the measure at its scheduled discussion on August 27, the ordinance would take effect on January 1, 2027. The council has not yet released a final vote count, but the unanimous committee vote suggests strong support.
Fox News Digital reached out to the Business, Housing & Zoning Committee and other council members for comment but did not receive an immediate response.
Implications for Local Businesses
Business owners who serve alcohol will need to review existing dress‑code policies and ensure they are posted visibly. While the ordinance does not prohibit establishments from setting reasonable dress standards, it seeks to make those standards transparent and applied uniformly, reducing the risk of discriminatory enforcement.
Local hospitality groups have expressed a range of reactions, from support for clearer guidelines to concern about additional administrative steps. The council’s next public hearing will likely provide a forum for further input from business owners, civil‑rights advocates, and residents.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
