Albert Lea restaurant found in contempt of court; $3,000 per day fine imposed

An Albert Lea restaurant was found in contempt of court on Friday for intentionally violating orders to stop ignoring COVID-19 restrictions.

Freeborn County District Court ruled that The Interchange willfully violated court orders preventing on-premises dining, which was implemented by Gov. Tim Walz’s executive orders.

The court also ordered The Interchange to pay a fine of $3,000 per day it violates the order moving forward.

Court finds Lakeville restaurant in contempt, imposes $3,000 per day fine

"I’m glad to see serious consequences for defying the court and endangering Minnesotans," Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said. "The vast majority of Minnesota bars and restaurants are complying with the law and meeting their responsibility to keep their communities safe. The very small handful that are not should take note that their willful defiance has real-world consequences, as it should."

It comes just a day after a Lakeville restaurant, Alibi Drinkery, was also found in contempt of court and ordered to pay $3,000 per violation for ignoring coronavirus restrictions.