Senator Karin Housley (R-Stillwater) presented two pieces of legislation this week which seek to offer relief to venues and event centers negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. SF-1935, termed the “Save Our Stages” bill, would ensure that event venues would be eligible for a grant that would offset loss of income that came as a result of COVID-related closures. The second bill SF-1419, would provide relief grants to event centers and would allow for safe event center operations at 75% capacity. Both bills are aimed at aiding industries that were omitted from previous state funded COVID relief grants.
The current climate for Minnesota businesses does not allow for event centers and venues to operate at full capacity. Weddings, fundraising events, celebrations and funerals are able to take place only if the venue adheres to social distancing and limits the center’s capacity to 50% of normal occupant capacity. Other venues providing indoor events and entertainment (theaters, cinemas, concert halls, museums, etc.) may not exceed 25% of normal occupant capacity with a maximum of 150 people. As a result, many events have been postponed and venues have struggled financially to recover from these constraints.
“The importance of these venues and event centers simply cannot be overstated—they provide experiences to attendees, and bring revenue to local lodging, restaurants, and shops—they have a far-reaching impact on every corner of our communities,” said Senator Housley. “If these businesses close permanently, it will have a huge trickle-down effect. These bills aim to help two industries that have been completely left behind. We’ve passed grant programs aimed at helping numerous industries, yet our stages and event centers have had little to no help. These bills offer a lifeline to businesses that have given so much to our communities.”
Neighboring states have begun taking steps that allow venues and event centers to return to pre-pandemic capacity limits. Iowa currently does not limit capacity for mass gathering and events, but only encourages venues to take reasonable measures that “ensure the health of participants and members of the public.” Similarly, South Dakota is allowing gatherings of any size, as long as social distancing is practiced. As a result, Minnesota businesses are losing customers to other venues and event centers just across state lines.
“These venues and event centers have been hurting for an entire year, bleeding out up to $20,000 per month,” continued Senator Housley. “Our neighboring states are less restrictive, and business has gone elsewhere. Expenses have stayed the same while incomes have disappeared. The deck has been completely stacked against this industry, and we absolutely need to do what we can to help them recover and establishing these grants is a needed step in that direction.”
SF-1935 as amended successfully passed through the Jobs committee and now heads to the Taxes Committee. SF-1419 as amended was laid over in the Jobs committee.