The Minneapolis City Council is moving to adopt a citywide dress code ordinance for businesses, a measure aimed at combating discrimination. A committee unanimously passed the ordinance Tuesday, bringing it one step closer to full council approval.
If enacted, the ordinance would mandate that any business licensed to sell liquor or beer must publicly display its dress code near its entrance. This requirement would not apply to health and safety regulations, such as "no shirts, no shoes, no service" policies, which are governed by state law. The full City Council is expected to consider the ordinance on August 27, with a potential effective date of January 1, 2027.
Council members have described the ordinance as a tool to fight "velvet rope discrimination," which they define as barring entry based on race, gender, or orientation. Councilmember Jason Chavez cited a high-profile incident in Minneapolis where a white man wearing a Twins shirt was granted entry to a downtown bar, while a Black man with the same shirt was denied. Chavez, who is openly LGBTQ, also shared a personal experience of being denied entry to a bar with a rainbow pouch, while an individual with a black pouch in similar attire was allowed in.
"What we are trying to do here is make sure that people are transparent about their dress code to help prevent that discrimination," Chavez stated, according to FOX 9.
Council members Pearll Warren and Jamal Osman expressed support, emphasizing that appearance-based exclusions are unacceptable. "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, as reported by KARE 11. Warren added that establishments should clearly post restrictions, such as a ban on ballcaps and jerseys, to avoid discriminatory practices.
Council Member Michael Rainville acknowledged the concerns of his colleagues. "I am not in a position to disagree with my fellow council members of color that this racism persists in the bars and restaurants. You know, I don't have that personal experience, so I rely on their judgment. And if this will alleviate some concerns by merely posting dress code rules, then so be it," Rainville told Fox News Digital. He expressed optimism that the ordinance would eventually pass due to the committee's unanimous support and hopes it will address community concerns.
The Business, Housing & Zoning Committee's unanimous vote suggests broad support for the measure, intended to foster transparency and prevent biased entry practices at licensed establishments.