Court grants temporary injunction against East Grand Forks bar and grill violating COVID-19 restrictions
Tuesday, a court granted a temporary injunction against an East Grand Forks bar and grill that’s been violating COVID-19 restrictions.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced Polk County District Court granted the state’s motion, ordering Boardwalk Bar and Grill to comply with Executive Order 20-99 and close indoor, on-premises dining.
The court determined there was "a clear rational relationship between Executive Order 20-99 and the legitimate government interest of protecting public health," Ellison said.
East Grand Forks bar gets liquor license suspended over COVID-19 violations
Ellison’s office filed a lawsuit against Boardwalk on Dec. 11 for repeatedly violating state restrictions.
"Yet another court has recognized the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic and the firm legal foundation of the State’s legitimate interest in putting a stop to it," Ellison said. "I thank the thousands of Minnesota bars and restaurants that have done the right thing and met their responsibility to their communities by continuing to follow the law. A handful are choosing to ignore their responsibility: by so doing, they’re simply extending the pain the pandemic has already wrought upon all of us."
"We’re continuing to seek voluntarily compliance from all establishments affected by the executive orders. Enforcement action is a last resort, but I will not hesitate to use it when I have no other choice to protect Minnesotans from this deadly virus," he added.
Also Tuesday, Wright County District Court granted a temporary restraining order against Cornerstone Cafe, in Monticello, meaning it will have to stop violating the executive order or risk being held in contempt of court.
Ellison files lawsuits against Anoka, Monticello restaurants for violating COVID-19 restrictions