Lisa Zarzah accuses Governor Walz of unconstitutional actions against Minnesota restaurants

In a powerful testimony at the House State Government Finance and Policy Committee meeting, former restaurant owner Lisa Monet Zarzah recounted her harrowing experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Zarzah, who previously owned Alibi Drinkery in Lakeville and Froggy Bottoms in Northfield, criticized Governor Walz's executive order 2099, which mandated a 50% occupancy limit for restaurants while allowing retail stores to operate at full capacity before Black Friday.

Zarzah described the order as "unconstitutional and discriminatory," arguing that there was no scientific evidence linking COVID-19 spread to the restaurant industry. In December 2020, she and other restaurant owners chose to defy the order, leading to legal repercussions. Zarzah faced a lawsuit from the attorney general, had her liquor license revoked for five years, and was banned from owning a restaurant in Minnesota. She claimed these actions were unjust and left her unable to work in her field for over three years, ultimately forcing her to seek employment in Wisconsin.

Zarzah's testimony highlighted the struggles faced by many business owners during the pandemic and called for protections against what she termed unconstitutional executive actions. Her plea underscored the ongoing debate about government authority and individual rights in times of crisis. The committee's response to her testimony remains to be seen, but it raises critical questions about the balance between public health measures and the rights of citizens.