WINONA (AP) — Winona residents and city officials have gathered together to discuss downtown issues over beer and coffee.

The Pints and Policy event Tuesday covered matters such as construction, plans for development and challenges in revitalizing the area.

Ed's No-Name Bar owner Ed Hoffman began planning the event last winter in an effort to provide the greater community with accessibility to officials outside of City Hall. He says he hopes to host the events once a month.

Hoffman says he has always wanted to make the bar a gathering place for the community. The bar has hosted events related to politics there in the past, including an appearance by Duluth's former mayor, Don Ness, local candidate announcements and election screenings.

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