A Minnesota restaurant is being sued by the state for violating coronavirus restrictions and refusing to stop in-person dining.
State Attorney General Keith Ellison on Thursday announced a motion for a temporary restraining order against Alibi Drinkery in Lakeville, forcing him to close. According to Governor Tim Walz’s initial executive order issued in November, restaurants and bars were forced to shut down until Friday amid an increase in COVID-19 cases.
On Wednesday, the term was extended until January 10.
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“Immediate and irreparable harm will result if the state is forced to wait until Alibi Drinkery can be heard in full, as opposed to the state’s request for interim relief,” Ellison said in a statement Thursday.
Lisa Zarza, co-owner of the unit, did not respond to Fox News messages or restaurant calls.
In court documents, Ellison quoted Zarza’s statements to local media that he intended to remain open despite the restaurant’s protocols and photos showing crowds not wearing masks inside. He said she was asked in a media interview what she would do if state officials asked her to close.
In response, Zarza said “You know what? We’ll see them in court,” according to the documents.
“I put a big bullseye on my back for a reason because I know they will come after every deal anyway and I wanted to make sure I have thousands of supporters here who show us that they support us,” she told NBC Minneapolis Television. , KARE.
On Thursday, the unit’s Facebook page posted: “OPEN TODAY. COME IN FOR FOOD AND DRINKS!”
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is asking a court to force a restaurant to close after its owners continue to defy bans on indoor services.
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The lawsuit comes after Wednesday’s announcement by the Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division that it intends to suspend its liquor license for Alibi Drinkery and its neighbors at Princeton’s Rum restaurant for 60 days, pending a hearing.
The Princeton restaurant closed voluntarily and complied with the executive order after being sued by the state on Thursday, Ellison said.
“I’m glad to see more and more restaurants accepting their responsibility to keep Minnesota safe and to enforce the executive order,” he said. “We will continue to hold accountable those who insist on breaking the order and endangering the lives of customers, employees and their communities.”