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Lakeville, MN (KROC-AM News) - The Walz administration is taking additional enforcement action against a bar and restaurant in Lakeville that defied the governor's COVID-19 restrictions by serving customers indoors last month.

The Minnesota Department of Health has announced it has filed a lawsuit against the Alibi Drinkery for operating as a food and beverage service without a license. In late December, the state notified the owners of the business that its license would be suspended in 20 days. Before that even occurred, the food and beverage license for the Alibi Drinkery expired at the end of last year and officials say it has remained open serving customers drinks and food.

“We do not take enforcement actions lightly,” said Assistant Commissioner Dan Huff. “Even when there is no pandemic, the public depends upon the licensing of bars and restaurants as a basic public health measure – which is why the legislature requires that bars and restaurants have an active license in order to serve the public.”

State health officials said the lawsuit follows several regulatory actions from the Department of Health, the State Public Safety Department, and the Attorney General's Office. A news release says those actions included a cease-and-desist order and the suspension of the operating and liquor license held by the business.

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