Minneapolis Considers Ordinance to Regulate Bar and Restaurant Dress Codes
Minneapolis city leaders are considering a new ordinance aimed at regulating how bars and restaurants enforce dress codes, specifically addressing issues related to "velvet rope discrimination."
Minneapolis St. Paul, MN, August 18, 2026 —
Minneapolis city leaders are contemplating a new ordinance designed to oversee the enforcement of dress codes by bars and restaurants. This proposed legislation specifically targets practices that could lead to discriminatory outcomes, often referred to as “velvet rope discrimination.”
The ordinance aims to establish clearer guidelines for establishments regarding the implementation and enforcement of their dress codes. While the specifics of the proposed regulations were not detailed in the summary, the intent is to address concerns that certain dress code policies may be applied in a manner that leads to unfair exclusion of patrons.
“Velvet rope discrimination” typically refers to the discretionary power held by doormen or management to deny entry to individuals based on subjective interpretations of their attire or appearance, which can sometimes mask underlying biases. The proposed ordinance seeks to bring more transparency and accountability to these decisions.
The details regarding the timeline for consideration, specific enforcement mechanisms, or potential penalties for non-compliance were not provided. Further information on the proposed text of the ordinance and the public consultation process is expected as city leaders move forward with the discussion.
Story summarized from the original created by Maury.Glover@fox.com (Maury Glover) on www.fox9.com, see more information here.
