Changes are coming to Minnesota bars, restaurants, indoor entertainment venues, gyms and private gatherings. On Friday, Governor Tim Walz signed an executive order turning the dial back on restrictions.

One of the biggest changes for bars and restaurants is that they will now be able to stay open an hour later—closing at 11:00pm instead of 10:00pm.

For 310 Pub in Canal Park in Duluth, this means more business.

“Being open later is going to help us bring in more business for sure,” Donald Soulak, bar manager said.

According to Soulak, 310 Pub will begin staying open until 11:00pm this Saturday at 50% capacity, with COVID-19 protocols in place.

"It's a step in the direction of being open till 2:00am again, which is what I think everyone who works here wants to do,” Soulak said.

Across the street, Hoops Brewing said they will ease into the option of staying open an hour later.

“As more people get vaccinated and as we go into the spring and the summer, we're going to rock and roll,” Dave Hoops, owner said.

Hoops said they will also ease into the option of increasing their capacity, which is currently at 30%, below the state's limit of 50% out of an abundance of caution.

"I think it’s a good sign. Clearly, we've managed to bring down the spread somewhat and obviously more and more people are getting vaccinated, so I think that there are opportunities here,” Hoops said.

On the other side of town, Bent Paddle Brewing in Lincoln Park said they traditionally close a little earlier as is, but will consider staying open until 11:00pm at 50% capacity.

"It will be nice to have a little bit more flexibility for sure,” Pepin Young, Director of Taproom and Retail Operations said.

In the meantime, Young said they looks forward to seeing restaurants and bars that sell their brews be able to stay open later.

"Any opportunity for them to be able to increase their capacity and safely sell more beer, wine and beverages on site is great for everybody—local economy, everyone,” Young said.

All venues said they would continue following strict protocol from the Department of Health to keep everyone safe as they look towards staying open an extra hour.

To see the original report and read related stories, follow this link to the WDIO-TV website.  https://www.wdio.com/duluth-minnesota-news/local-bars-and-restaurants-welcome-rollback-of-covid-rest...