By Bruce Karnick

State representative Tony Jurgens was a leading voice at the Capital in defense of The Busted Nut after hearing of the fines imposed on them recently. On Thursday, October 1st, his office issued this press release.

REP. JURGENS HELPS CONVINCE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR TO WORK WITH STRUGGLING RESTAUARANT OWNERS ST. PAUL – Just two weeks after criticizing the Walz administration for its excessive overreach against Minnesota’s hospitality industry, State Representative Tony Jurgens (R-Cottage Grove) is pleased to report the Department of Labor is changing its policies when it comes to handling fines on bar and restaurant owners.

The department backpedaled after a Minnesota Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) employee levied a $7,000 fine on The Busted Nut Bar and Grill in Hastings after witnessing an employee use a non-compliant plastic mask, which no one at the business realized did not meet state guidelines.

“It’s welcome news for restaurant owners who are facing exorbitant fines, but it doesn’t go far enough,” Jurgens said. “Much like a police officer who gives a warning to a speeding driver, the department has the opportunity to work with our bar and restaurant owners during these difficult times. Instead, the punitive approach remains.”

In May, the department decided any business that received a COVID-19 related fine would not be eligible for “credits,” which are potential fine reductions it can take into account based on an employer’s good faith efforts to provide a safe workplace, the size of the business, and any previous violations history.

After the feedback it received from Rep. Jurgens and others, the labor department has announced that it will allow the use of credits for COVID-19 related fines beginning October 1, which could result in a fine reduction of up to 95%. The directive also applies retroactively, meaning The Busted Nut and other restaurants targeted in the increased compliance checks throughout the state could benefit.

The Hastings Journal did reach out to The Busted Nut owner, Tatia Nelson, for comment regarding this update from the capital. She was not able to comment currently on the advice of her attorney with her case still being open.

Tony Jurgens