State Officials: Lakeville Bar Faces 5-Year Liquor License Ban

DAKOTA COUNTY, MN — State authorities said this week that Alibi Drinkery in Lakeville and The Interchange in Albert Lea now face a five-year liquor license revocation "for ongoing and blatant violations " of Gov. Tim Walz' coronavirus executive order, which bans indoor dining through Jan. 10.

According to investigators with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division, both bars continue to sell or advertise drinks:

Alibi, Lakeville – DPS-AGED notified Alibi on Dec. 16 of its intention to suspend Alibi’s liquor license for continued violations of EO 20-99, requiring all restaurants and bars to cease selling alcohol for on-premises consumption until Dec. On December 30 at approximately 8 p.m., Alibi posted on its Facebook page that it would reopen on Dec. 31. Earlier today, an investigator with the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) observed and took photos of numerous patrons eating and drinking what appeared to be alcoholic beverages.

The Interchange, Albert Lea - DPS - AGED notified The Interchange on Dec. 19 of its intention to suspend the establishment’s liquor license for continued violations of EO 20-99. On Dec. 21, 26, 28 and 29, The Interchange posted on its Facebook page that it was open for dine-in service. On Dec. 30 and 31, The Interchange posted about a “New Year’s Eve Celebration,” advertising liquor sales and recommending reservations. In addition, DPS-AGED received information on Dec. 29 from the Albert Lea Police Department that The Interchange remained open, with the exception of Christmas Day. On Dec. 30, DPS-AGED agents observed the establishment open for on-premises consumption of food and beverages, again willfully violating EO-103.

State authorities have notified six other bars that they face a 60-day suspension of their liquor licenses:

• Cork, Anoka
• Cornerstone, Monticello
• The Pour House, Clarks Grove
• Mission Tavern, Merrifield
• Neighbors on the Rum, Princeton
• Boardwalk Bar & Grill LLC (BBG), East Grand Forks