Credit: Lisa Monet
The vandals allegedly disappointed the outside of a Lakeville bar that continues to defy the closure of Governor Tim Walz’s interior service, aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19.
Lisa Monet Zarza, the owner of Alibi Drinkery, posted videos of graffiti scattered around the downtown Lakeville building. The messages are vulgar in nature, most using Nazi references and at least two condemning President Donald Trump.
“That’s what happens when you stand up. We have surveillance cameras. Description of all 3 vehicles involved. 6 suspects, all in hoods and masks. 5 men, 1 woman. If you look at the label, they follow certain political affiliations. , “Zarza wrote on Facebook.
Also hit by the vandals was Alibi Drinkery’s neighbor, Angry Inch Brewing, who decided to close on Sunday. Angry Inch did not reopen its service doors inside, so it is unclear whether the vandals intentionally targeted the brewery or whether it was a factor of being located directly next door in the same building.
“We need a mental and physical break,” Angry Inch’s Facebook post reads. “We plan to return next week Wednesday to go and deliver again.”
Alibi Drinkery reported vandalism after weeks of rising up against Walz’s executive order, even defying a lawsuit from Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, who is now seeking to find Alibi Drinkery owner in contempt of court.
The contempt of the hearing is scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday, and if found in contempt, Alibi Drinkery could be fined, could be forced to pay state attorney’s fees and the possibility of Zarza being jailed.
“I do not like to seek this sanction, but I cannot allow this institution to prolong the pain in Minnesota,” Ellison said in a December 31 press release. “Almost all Minnesota companies are fulfilling their responsibility to their communities to stop the spread of COVID-19, but this unit defies the court and the community and risks the lives of Minnesota.
“Minnesota has thousands of options for safe patrons in responsible, community-friendly restaurants and bars this New Year’s weekend. I encourage them to thank those businesses for their business, “Ellison added.