Minnesota Attorney General’s Office announces 5 actions taken against businesses for not following COVID-19 executive orders

KSTP
In this Wednesday, May 27, 2020, file photo, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison answers questions during a news conference in St. Paul, Minn., about the investigation into the death of George Floyd, who died May 25, while in the custody of Minneapolis police officers. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said Sunday, May 31, that he decided Ellison needs to lead the case.[AP/ John Autey, Pioneer Press]

The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office, on Friday, announced five additional enforcement actions taken against businesses that didn’t comply with Gov. Tim Walz’s COVID-19 executive orders.

According to a release from the Attorney General’s Office:

  • In a judgment accepted by the court on Jan. 21, the Pour House in Clark’s Grove agreed to fully comply with all executive orders pertaining to bars and restaurants. If the Pour House violates the terms of the judgment they are liable for a civil penalty of $25,000. Additionally, Pour House agreed to a 15-day liquor license suspension that will be in effect from Feb. 8 through Feb. 22.
  • Alibi Drinkery in Lakeville did not submit its restaurant license renewal application necessary to operate in 2021 until Jan. 26. The deadline for these applications was Dec. 31. The Department of Health issued a notice of its refusal to renew the license on Jan. 28.
  • On Jan. 29, the Minnesota Department of Health filed a lawsuit against King Sparrow Coffee for operating a food and beverage establishment without a license issued by the department. On Jan. 29, MDH issued a notice of licensure revocation.
  • Cornerstone in Monticello has agreed to a 30-day liquor license suspension as part of a settlement and has agreed to comply with future executive orders. The suspension will be in effect from Feb. 1 through March 2.
  • On Jan. 29, the Albert Lea city attorney filed three additional misdemeanor criminal charges against Melissa Lynn Hanson, owner of The Interchange Wine and Coffee Bistro. She had previously been charged with six misdemeanor criminal charges. The new charges allege she caused a public nuisance for maintaining or permitting a condition that unreasonably endangers the safety or health of members of the public.