Minnesota AG sues bars that defied Walz ban on dine-in service

A day after Alibi Drinkery co-owner Lisa Monet Zarza opened her business in defiance of state orders for bars and restaurants to remain closed to dine-in business, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is taking her to court.

On Thursday, Ellison's office announced that he has filed lawsuits against the Lakeville restaurant and Neighbors on the Rum in Princeton. Later in the day, he filed for a temporary restraining order to force Alibi to close. Both businesses opened to in-person dining in defiance of Gov. Tim Walz's executive order meant to curb the spread of COVID-19 in Minnesota. On Wednesday, Walz adjusted the order that expires at 11:59 p.m. Friday to continue prohibiting indoor dining at restaurants until Jan. 11.

"Alibi Drinkery in Lakeville proudly announced its dangerous decision to increase the risk of community spread of COVID-19 in its community, recording multiple videos of its violations and promising to pack more people into enclosed indoor spaces in a period where the virus is still spreading throughout the State," Ellison's office said in a statement Thursday. "When asked what she would do if officials asked her to close, Alibi Drinkery's owner stated that she would 'see them in court.'"

https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-ag-sues-bars-that-defied-walz-ban-on-dine-in-service/573419111/