Minneapolis City Council moves to pass dress code ordinance to fight velvet rope discrimination

The Minneapolis City Council is one step closer to approving a dress code ordinance for businesses citywide after a committee passed a new ordinance Tuesday to counter what City Council members described as efforts to "discriminate against people."

The ordinance, which received unanimous support from the Business, Housing & Zoning Committee, would require any business licensed to sell liquor or beer to post any required dress code near its entrance.

This new ordinance would not cover the "no shirts, no shoes, no service" rules because those are health and safety policies regulated by the state. 

If passed by the full City Council, the ordinance would go into effect Jan. 1, 2027. The City Council is expected to discuss the ordinance Aug. 27.

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According to members of the committee and City Council, the ordinance will combat what is known as "velvet rope discrimination," or barring entry of someone into a facility based on race, gender or orientation.

According to KSTP, Councilmember Jason Chavez described it by saying, "I think about the high-profile case that happened at a downtown bar here in Minneapolis. There was a White man that was allowed entry wearing a Twins shirt and a Black man not allowed entry wearing a Twins shirt." 

Chavez, who identifies as LGBTQ, also says he personally experienced this discrimination before becoming a council member after being denied entry into a bar while wearing a rainbow pouch. He said an individual who was "wearing similar clothes" but with a black pouch was allowed access.

"I can understand why some people may not understand racism exists in this country, but it does." Chavez added, according to FOX 9. "What we're trying to do here is make sure that people are transparent about their dress code to help prevent that discrimination."

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Fellow council members Pearll Warren and Jamal Osman also voiced support for the ordinance as a way to counter discrimination based on appearances.

"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, according to KARE 11.

Warren denied there should be any issues, saying, "If an establishment is saying no ball caps, and jerseys are allowed in this establishment, then have that posted outside that says that otherwise you cannot discriminate against people coming in with ball caps and jerseys."

Speaking to Fox News Digital, Council Member Michael Rainville said he believes the ordinance will eventually pass based on the unanimous support from the committee and hopes it will alleviate concerns from community members.

"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 said.

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Fox News Digital reached out to the Business, Housing & Zoning Committee for comment and other members of the Minneapolis City Council but did not immediately receive a response.