Minnesota updates hospitality and youth camp fee structures for 2024

Minnesota's Senate Bill 2669, introduced on April 22, 2025, is set to reshape the landscape of hospitality and youth camp regulations across the state. The bill proposes a series of fee adjustments for various establishments, including boarding houses, food service venues, and youth camps, aiming to streamline operations while addressing public health and safety concerns.

At the heart of the bill is a notable increase in annual fees for licensed establishments. For instance, the statewide hospitality fee will rise from $40 to $50, impacting all food and beverage service establishments, resorts, and lodging facilities. Additionally, youth camps will see their fees adjusted based on camper capacity, with camps hosting up to 99 campers facing a new fee of $375, up from $325. These changes are designed to enhance funding for health inspections and regulatory oversight, ensuring that establishments meet safety standards.

However, the bill has sparked debates among stakeholders. Proponents argue that the increased fees are necessary to maintain high health standards and support the state's public health infrastructure. Critics, particularly from the hospitality sector, express concerns that the fee hikes could burden small businesses already struggling to recover from pandemic-related losses.

The bill also introduces a $5 technology fee for each licensed activity, which aims to support the modernization of licensing processes. This move has been met with mixed reactions, as some see it as a step toward efficiency, while others worry about the cumulative financial impact on small operators.

As the bill progresses through the legislative process, its implications could be far-reaching. If passed, it may lead to improved health and safety standards across Minnesota's hospitality and youth camp sectors, but it could also challenge the financial viability of smaller establishments. Stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation, anticipating further discussions and potential amendments as the bill moves forward.