At their regular meeting the Fargo City Commission acted to temporarily allow sale of alcohol by restaurants with take-out and delivery orders.  The effort, spearheaded by Commissioner Tony Grindberg, passed on a unanimous vote.  The temporary policy will be in effect for 30 days.

The particulars of the Commission's action provide for the following:

• It applies only to restaurants and bars with meal service

• Applies to pickup or delivery of the meal

• Allows beer and wine in sealed containers

• Must be delivered by restaurant employees meeting guidelines (server trained, over 21)

• Food only deliveries may be done through third parties - third party services are NOT allowed to deliver alcohol

• The are no changes to "off sale" - city code section 25-1513 E prohibits delivery of off sale

Other cities in North Dakota are also considering making similar temporary changes.  At this time, no action has been taken on this issue at the state level.

Local regulations vary across the state.  If you have specific questions regarding regulations in your area, please contact your city or county government.

On March 20th, NDHA Executive Director Rudie Martinson joined small business leaders from around the country, along with our partners at the National Restaurant Association, to participate in a phone call with President Trump and senior Whitehouse officials to discuss potential economic stimulus in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

President Trump, SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza, Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia, and National Economic Council Director Larry Kudlow addressed the group to discuss the administration's support of small business, and to share details of ongoing negotiations in Washington surrounding a small business relief package.

Negotiation on this package continue, and a deal is expected to be reached this week.