Lakeville Bar Found In Contempt Of Court, Faces $3K Per Day Fine

DAKOTA COUNTY, MN — The Dakota County District Court Thursday found Alibi Drinkery of Lakeville in contempt of court, saying it willfully violated the court’s Dec. 31 temporary injunction that required it to close for indoor dining and follow Gov. Tim Walz's coronavirus restrictions.

"The State has established by a preponderance of the evidence that Defendant willfully disobeyed this Court’s Order for Temporary Injunction and is in constructive civil contempt," the court ruled.

The bar "intentionally and purposefully is violating" and "is fully aware of these restrictions and is flagrantly in violation of the orders," according to the ruling.

The court ordered the bar to pay a fine of $3,000 per each day that it is open for indoor dining, violating Walz's executive order, starting Thursday, noting that "a minimal fine would not lead to compliance with the injunction and would likely result in further spread of Covid-19."

According to Attorney General Keith Ellison's office, Alibi’s owner admitted during a court hearing that the bar continued to provide indoor dining through New Year’s weekend, defying the state order.

"I am grateful that the court recognized the severity of the pandemic and the harm that Alibi’s flagrant violation of the law is causing Minnesotans," Ellison said in a news release.

"I take no joy in seeking sanctions, but I will not shirk from my responsibility to uphold the law and the Governor’s executive orders in order to save Minnesotans’ lives, particularly in the face willful and repeated violations."