Updated COVID-19 Protocols at the Taproom
UPDATE AS OF MARCH 25, 2022
Effective March 1, 2022, proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative test results are not required for indoor service, though we strongly encourage COVID-19 vaccinations for all guests. Masks are also encouraged for all guests.
Guests who are experiencing symptoms or may have been exposed to COVID-19 should refrain from visiting the taproom until they can be tested.
We will continue to monitor local case rates and respond with policy changes accordingly. Current COVID-19 policies will continue to be shared here on our website, social media channels, and signage in the taproom.
WHY IS FAIR STATE UPDATING THE CURRENT POLICY?
Recent and significant decreases in local COVID-19 case trends, a rise in local vaccination rates, and improving hospitalization rates have led us to ease our vaccination and negative test policy. It’s not lost on us that we may need to implement these policies again, and as always, we’ll be proactive in making those decisions.
DECEMBER 3, 2021
Following many conversations with co-op members, staff, and the community, Fair State Brewing Co-op will require either proof of a full course of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test administered by a provider within the last 72 hours for indoor service at the taproom. Effective Thursday, January 6, this is required for everyone ages 5+, and masks are required for everyone ages 2+ when not actively drinking or eating in accordance with the city-wide mask mandate for public gathering spaces.
These new policies, which will aid in keeping staff and guests as safe as possible while providing options for different comfort levels, will be in place daily for indoor seating.
Proof of vaccination or negative test must be shown at the bar upon entry and must clearly match the guest’s ID.
Acceptable proof of vaccination includes:
- A physical card
- A photo of a complete vaccination card
- Digital immunization records such as Docket or Clear
A variety of negative tests will be accepted, including:
- Minnesota Department of Health (Vault)
- An email from the guest’s testing provider
- Please note screenshots and printouts of test results will not be accepted. Rapid at-home tests are not accepted.
Updated protocols will be clearly communicated here on our website, as well as throughout the taproom to help inform guests during their visit.
Outdoor ordering is currently available from the beer garden. Guests who are not vaccinated, prefer not to gather indoors, or aren’t able to wear a mask can order a beer from a QR code to enjoy outside in the beer garden, which is covered and heated during the winter months. Regardless of vaccination status, guests are always welcome to place an order online and pick up beer to go, and complimentary masks are available at the bar for those who need one.
We value community and put people first. Our guiding principles to uphold these values since the start of the pandemic have been to operate safely and address issues proactively, swiftly adapt operations to best serve customers and build community, and to protect the ability to continue operating. These new requirements continue to strongly adhere to these principles.
“Our community focus and cooperative structure has helped guide us through these challenging times, and we are extremely grateful to our staff, members, and taproom guests for continuing to adapt.” Matt Hauck, Fair State co-founder and director of retail says, “Our hope is that these changes will allow our community feel more safe and comfortable spending time inside the taproom.”
FAQ
Why is Fair State implementing this policy?
Recent COVID-19 case trends, continued vaccination hesitancy, better understanding of vaccine efficacy, and the Omicron variant have collectively raised concern that we are facing another winter of high risk when gathered together in small, enclosed spaces. This simple measure will aid in keeping our staff and guests as safe as possible during indoor service and provide options for guests who may experience different levels of comfort.
How will guests show proof of their COVID-19 status?
Bartenders will check for proof of COVID-19 vaccine or negative test at the bar as they are checking ID’s, or as they’re taking an order for a non-alcoholic beverage, and each guest will receive a hand stamp. All guests in your party ages 5+ must check in at the bar to receive a stamp.
Acceptable proof of vaccination includes:
- A physical card
- A photo of a complete vaccination card
- Digital immunization records such as Docket or Clear
- The date of the final dose must be at least 14 days prior.
A variety of negative tests will be accepted, including:
- Minnesota Department of Health (Vault)
- An email from the guest’s testing provider
- Please note screenshots and printouts of test results will not be accepted. Rapid at-home tests are not accepted.
Not sure? Feel free to reach out to [email protected] and we’re happy to help.
What if a guest would prefer not to share their COVID-19 status?
We’ve got options!
- Crowlers, bottles, jugs, merch, and memberships can still be purchased online and picked up from the bar (or call us for curbside pickup at 612-444-3209). Proof of status is only required to hang out and/or be served in the taproom, but masks are required for all if not actively drinking or eating.
- All guests are still welcome to briefly browse for merch or to-go beverages.
- All guests can head out to the beer garden, order and pay from their phone using QR codes, and we’ll deliver beverages (valid ID is required for alcohol and draft pours must be consumed on-site).
Can a child hang out in the taproom with a parent who has provided proof of status?
Yes, but proof of a full course of COVID-19 vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test administered by a provider within the last 72 hours, is required for everyone ages 5+. Please include any children when checking in at the bar so they can receive a hand stamp as well.
Any risk or exposure for children under the age of 5 is at the parent’s discretion. Masks are required for children ages 2+ when not actively drinking or eating.
Can I come inside to use the restroom if I’m being served in the beer garden?
Yes, the restrooms and hallway are shared business spaces and are not subject to Fair State’s policies. All guests are still welcome to travel through the taproom at any time, but masks are required for all regardless of vaccination status.
I’m visiting with a group, but one person is not able to show their COVID-19 status. Can others vouch for them?
Unfortunately no. Individual proof of COVID-19 status is required for any and all guests to hang out inside the taproom, but the whole group is welcome to join us in the beer garden. Please ensure all members of your party check in at the bar to show proof of vaccination or negative test and receive a hand stamp.
Is a COVID-19 booster shot required as part of a full course of vaccination?
No. Full courses of vaccination at this time are considered to be two shots from Moderna or Pfizer, or one shot from Johnson & Johnson. This is subject to change according to CDC recommendations.
For Fair State employees; yes.
I’m upset about this policy. Who can I talk to?
All questions and concerns can be sent to [email protected]. Taproom guests can ask to speak to the shift lead.
How long will these policies be enforced?
It’s tough to say. We are committed to adjusting and adapting as needed, and we remain thankful for the support we’ve received from our community over the last two years.