fbusch@nujournal.com
NEW ULM — Local bar and restaurant owners reacted favorably to Minnesota’s Stay Safe Plan announced by Gov. Walz Jan. 6.
Changes beginning at midnight, Jan. 11 include opening bars and restaurants at 50% capacity, with a maximum of 150 people. Parties of no more than six people must remain six feet from other parties. Bar seating is open to parties of two. Reservations are required and establishments must close between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m.
“Fantastic. That’s a good start. I’m looking forward to it,” said Lamplighter Sports Bar & Grill co-owner Herb Knutson. “I think that’s something we can live with and go from there, with restrictions improving along the way. We’re excited to reopen so we can see our customers again. They’ve shown a lot of support and we appreciate it.”