Coronavirus: 4th MN Restaurant Faces Loss Of Liquor License

CROW WING COUNTY, MN — State officials continue to take enforcement action against bars and restaurants they say violated the latest coronavirus executive orders. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety — Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division says Mission Tavern in Merrifield faces a 60-day suspension of their liquor licenses "for ongoing violations of Executive Order 20-99 by selling alcohol for on-premises consumption."

According to DPS:

The Minnesota Department of Health determined that Mission Tavern had allowed on-site consumption on Nov. 25 in violation of Executive Order 20-99.

MDH then issued a cease-and-desist order on Nov. 30 and the restaurant came into compliance with the order.

After Mission Tavern re-opened for on-site dining on Dec. 11, MDH issued another cease-and-desist order and an Administrative Penalty Order, which included a $10,000 penalty and a license suspension notice.

Authorities say Mission Tavern continues to ignore the MDH cease-and-desist order and remains open, and intend to suspend the liquor license of this establishment for 60 days.

Mission Tavern could lose its license for five years if there are "further violations," DPS said. Mission Tavern is the fourth bar to face a loss of its license.

Others include:

• Boardwalk Bar & Grill LLC, East Grand Forks
• Alibi Drinkery, Lakeville
• Neighbors on the Rum, Princeton

A virtual hearing in the Boardwalk Bar & Grill LLC case has been scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Dec. 23 before Administrative Law Judge Eric Lipman, according to a news release.