Minneapolis, MN Special Events & Permits: Sidewalk Dining & Cafés (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit type
- Special council permit
- Who can apply
- Ch. 188/362/366 licensees only
- Liability insurance
- $50,000/$300,000/$10,000 minimums
- Revocation
- Anytime, by city council
Summary
Minneapolis restaurants, bars, and liquor licensees need a special council permit before serving customers in a sidewalk café on the public way next to their premises, per City Code § 265.280.
Any licensee under Chapter 188, 362 or 366 of this Code who is licensed to sell food, beer or liquor for consumption on designated premises may apply to the licensing official for a special permit to conduct a portion of such licensed business in a sidewalk café on a part of the public way immediately adjoining the licensed premises.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72).
Full Breakdown
Only businesses already licensed under Chapters 188, 362, or 366 to sell food, beer, or liquor for on-premises consumption may apply, per § 265.280. The licensing official refers applications to the council's licenses committee for a hearing, with notice mailed to residents and property owners within 300 feet under § 265.300. Permit holders must carry liability insurance of at least $50,000 per person, $300,000 per incident, and $10,000 for property damage, filed with the licensing official under § 265.310. No sale or service is allowed in any part of the street designated for vehicular travel, and the city council may revoke the permit at any time under § 265.320.
Violations & Fines
Operating a sidewalk café without the special permit, or breaching its terms, exposes the licensee to permit revocation by the city council under § 265.320, plus the Code's general misdemeanor penalty under § 1.30.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can get a sidewalk café permit in Minneapolis?
Can the city take away a sidewalk café permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Minneapolis
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