UPDATE: Court orders Lakeville restaurant to close for on-premises dining

A court has granted a temporary restraining order against a Lakeville restaurant that’s violated COVID-19 restrictions, meaning it will now have to close for on-premises dining.

The Minnesota Department of Health said Friday that it issued cease-and-desist order to four restaurants who’ve violated state restrictions by offering on-premises dining — Alibi Drinkery, in Lakeville; The Interchange, in Albert Lea; The Pizza Depot, in Becker; and Hooligans Lakeside, in Lake Park.

Ellison files lawsuits against Anoka, Monticello restaurants for violating COVID-19 restrictions

According to MDH, both restaurants’ owners indicated they would continue violating the state’s order when initially contacted.

"COVID-19 protocols are designed to slow the spread of this virus and reduce the impacts of this pandemic," MDH Assistant Commissioner Dan Huff said. "Our preference is always to work with business to bring them into compliance, and we consider regulatory actions as a last resort. The vast majority of businesses are doing their best to help slow down the spread of COVID-19, and we owe it to them to have a consistent and fair enforcement approach."

4 Minnesota bar and grills have liquor licenses suspended for violating COVID restrictions

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division said Wednesday that Alibi would have its liquor license suspended for 60 days, pending a hearing before an administrative law judge, due to repeated violations.

Friday afternoon, Dakota County District Court granted a temporary restraining order against Alibi, meaning it will have to close for on-premises dining or risk being found in contempt of court.

The court scheduled a hearing for Tuesday, according to Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison.

"I’m gratified the court recognizes the severity of the pandemic and the need to take urgent action to stop the spread of COVID-19," Ellison said. "I’m equally gratified that the vast majority of Minnesota bars and restaurants are already complying with their responsibility to keep their customers, employees, and communities safe. The very few that aren’t complying are simply prolonging the pandemic and the pain it’s caused all of us."

He added, "I don’t enjoy using tools I have available to force establishments to comply, but today has shown once again that my office will use them when we must in order to protect Minnesotans from this deadly virus."