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CONTACT:
Scott Wasserman
651-201-7571
scott.wasserman@state.mn.us
Dec. 16, 2020
Notice of Liquor License Suspension Issued to Minnesota Establishments
ST. PAUL —The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division (DPS-AGED) has notified the following establishments that they face a 60-day suspension of their liquor licenses for blatantly violating Executive Order 20-99 by selling alcohol for on-premises consumption.
- Alibi Drinkery, Lakeville
- Neighbors on the Rum, Princeton
DPS-AGED has documented evidence that these establishments have opened for on-premises consumption of food and alcoholic beverages, including police incident reports and media reports that showed large crowds at the bar.
As a result of these actions, AGED intends to suspend the liquor licenses of these establishments for 60 days, pending a hearing before an administrative law judge. Further violations will result in the establishments being notified of the intent to revoke the licenses for five years.
Under Governor Walz’s Executive Order 20-99 Implementing a Four Week Dial Back on Certain Activities to Slow the Spread of COVID-19 (EO-99), all restaurants and bars are prohibited from selling alcohol for on-premises consumption from Nov. 20 at 11:59 p.m. through Friday, Dec. 18 at 11:59 p.m.
A coalition recently announced that a number of establishments had decided to open in violation of EO 20-99. Local law enforcement visited several of these bars and restaurants today, however, and found them to be closed:
- Pizza Depot, Becker
- Andy’s Sports Bar, Red Wing
- Carbone’s, Cottage Grove
- Charley’s, Mankato
“Most bars and restaurants are playing by the rules and following the law. Those that have chosen not to comply are putting the health of the community at risk, and we will hold them accountable,” said Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington.
In addition to today’s actions, DPS-AGED sent a letter to Boardwalk Bar & Grill LLC (BBG), East Grand Forks, clarifying that their license suspension is not effective until they have had the opportunity for a hearing before an administrative law judge. DPS-AGED had previously notified BBG that the 60-day suspension took effect on Dec. 13, 2020.
Advisory to the liquor industry
DPS-AGED sent a letter to the liquor industry on Dec. 13 with further information related to Executive Order 20-99, reminding licensees that:
- All restaurants and bars are prohibited from selling alcohol for on-premises consumption from Nov. 20, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. through Dec. 18, 2020, at 11:59 p.m.
- Establishments with on-sale liquor licenses are allowed to sell beer and wine with takeout orders pursuant to legislation signed by Governor Walz in April of this year.
- Any liquor licensee found to be in violation of EO-99 may be issued a misdemeanor citation for the violation.
- A second violation means the establishment will face a 60-day liquor license suspension, pending a hearing before an administrative law judge.
- A third or subsequent violation will result in a five-year revocation of the liquor license and the subsequent revocation of the establishment’s retail identification card (buyer’s card). Minn. Stat. § 340A.415.
The Letters are attached.
https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/age/Documents/boardwalk-suspension-notice-amended.pdf
https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/age/Documents/neighbors-on-the-rum-suspension-notice.pdf
https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/age/Documents/alibi-suspension-notice.pdf
About the Minnesota Department Public Safety
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) comprises 10 divisions where 2,200 employees operate programs in the areas of law enforcement, crime victim assistance, traffic safety, alcohol and gambling, emergency communications, fire safety, pipeline safety, driver licensing, vehicle registration and emergency management. DPS activity is anchored by three core principles: education, enforcement and prevention.
About the Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division
DPS-AGED monitors the alcohol industry, issues both alcohol and gambling licenses, and approves regulatory practices. It provides technical and field assistance to businesses and local units of government. It conducts background investigations and criminal investigations relating to alcohol and lawful gambling, the Minnesota Lottery, pari-mutuel horse racetracks and card rooms, and tribal reservation gambling.
Additionally, the division enforces laws pertaining to illegal gambling such as sports bookmaking and other illegal gambling activities. It initiates enforcement actions, resolves and mediates complaints on liquor and gambling violations. It conducts formal hearings on violators, and provides forums for discussion and resolution of liquor and gambling issues.
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