Coronavirus: Officials Suspend MN Resturant's Liquor License

GRAND FORKS, MN — Minnesota Department of Public Safety Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement announced Sunday that it has suspended the liquor license for Boardwalk Bar and Grill in East Grand Forks for violating Gov. Tim Walz's restrictions related to the coronavirus.

The 60-day suspension is effective now until Feb. 9, 2021. "Further violations will result in a five-year liquor license revocation," state officials noted.

"While we recognize the struggles that bars and liquor establishments have experienced, willful disregard of the law that puts Minnesotans in danger cannot and will not be ignored. People's lives have to take precedent during this pandemic," said Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington in a news release.

"We will continue to work with our local public safety and business partners to educate and provide advice to slow the spread of COVID-19."

Executive Order 20-99 — titled "Implementing a Four Week Dial Back on Certain Activities to Slow the Spread of COVID-19" — bans Minnesota restaurants and bars from selling alcohol for on-premises consumption from Nov. 20 through Dec. 18.

granted Ellison's motion for a temporary restraining order to prohibit the Boardwalk Bar and Grill from remaining open to the public for on-premises dining.

'ReOpen Minnesota Coalition' Plans To Defy Gov. Tim Walz

Walz's "four-week pause" on social activities, in-person dining, sports, and gym usage is set to expire on Dec. 18. If the governor chooses to extend the coronavirus-related shutdowns, which he has hinted at, there is a growing group of businesses planning to defy him.

Read more here.