The Minneapolis City Council has progressed towards approving a citywide dress code ordinance aimed at eliminating discrimination in businesses. After a committee’s unanimous approval, the ordinance now awaits the full City Council’s decision. This ordinance mandates businesses licensed to sell liquor or beer to post their dress code near the entrance.
This regulation does not apply to health and safety dress rules like “no shirts, no shoes, no service,” which are managed by state law. If endorsed by the full City Council, the enforcement will start on January 1, 2027. The City Council will consider the ordinance on August 27.
“Discrimination based on appearance at businesses must stop”
Council members have highlighted instances of what is termed “velvet rope discrimination,” where entry is denied based on race, gender, or orientation. An example cited involved a racial discrepancy in entry acceptance at a downtown bar. Councilmember Jason Chavez mentioned a case where a White man was admitted wearing a Twins shirt, while a Black man wearing the same was denied access.
Chavez, who is part of the LGBTQ community, recounted a personal incident of discrimination when denied entry because of a rainbow pouch. He shared, “I can understand why some may not realize racism exists, but it does. Our aim is transparency in dress codes to prevent such discrimination.”
Other council members, Pearll Warren and Jamal Osman, also supported the ordinance. Osman emphasized that picking entrants based on appearance should not be tolerated. “We’re not in the 1950s,” he stated.
Michael Rainville, another council member, expressed confidence in passing the ordinance, acknowledging his colleagues’ experiences with racial discrimination in local venues. “If posting dress codes alleviates community concerns, it is a step forward,” he said.
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