When it comes to dining out in Minnesota, customers may be wondering what the dress code is for restaurants in the area. The Minnesota Food Code, chapter 4626 of the Minnesota Rules, contains the minimum design, installation, construction, operation and maintenance requirements for all Minnesota food establishments. This means that restaurants must comply with certain standards when it comes to handling, storage, preparation and service of food to the retail consumer. If a customer is invited to an exclusive restaurant, they may find a notice on their website or inside the restaurant that sets out the dress code.
This can vary from restaurant to restaurant, but generally speaking, customers should dress in a way that is appropriate for the type of establishment they are visiting. For example, a formal restaurant may require more formal attire than a sports bar. In terms of discrimination for things outside a protected class, such as clothing, courts do not allow restaurants to refuse to serve customers for arbitrary or capricious reasons. However, if a customer is wearing something that the restaurant considers inappropriate, in most cases the restaurant manager is likely to let it go as long as they do not disrupt other guests.
If you are a restaurant owner, a business lawyer can provide you with more details about your right to deny service, including guidance on how to impose limited restrictions on anyone receiving service at your restaurant. Ultimately, it is up to the discretion of the manager or maitre d' to make exceptions and provide necessary material.
