Minnesota Department of Health takes aim at Albert Lea businesses for breaking COVID rules
Notice of license suspensions issued.
Posted: Dec 24, 2020 7:32 AM
Posted By: Mike Bunge
ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) says it’s cracking down on businesses who violate COVID safety rules.
MDH says it has issued cease-and-desist orders and notices of license suspension to The Pour House in Clarks Grove, Cornerstone Café & Catering in Monticello, and M.B.’s Little Gourmet Deli in Virginia for violating Governor Walz’ executive orders. A notice of license suspension to The Interchange in Albert Lea, which had previously received a cease-and-desist order.
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MDH Assistant Commissioner Dan Huff said enforcement actions are a last resort. (Shutterstock)
TWIN CITIES, MN The Minnesota Department of Health has issued more cease-and-desist orders and notices of license suspension against restaurants and bars that it says violated the statewide coronavirus restrictions.
Bars, restaurants, and breweries must remain closed for indoor dining under the latest state order from Gov. Tim Walz.
Health officials said Wednesday that Cornerstone Café & Catering in Monticello, M.B. s Little Gourmet Deli in Virginia, and The Pour House in Clark s Grove violated executive orders designed to protect their employees, customers and communities from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Robert Martin, owner of the Anoka restaurant Cork, knows COVID-19 can be deadly.
âOur grandma died two weeks ago from COVID, so we know itâs real,â he said Dec. 18. âWe understand 100%.â
But with mounting financial pressure from being closed to in-person dining for the second stretch this year, Martin joined a coalition of businesses across the state that reopened Wednesday, Dec. 16, in defiance of Gov. Tim Walzâs executive orders.
âWeâve got family. Weâve got staff. We have to feed people too,â Martin said. âIâm frustrated. Iâm angry. Iâm hurt. I donât know what else to do.â
NYU Langone pulmonologist Dr. Qanta Ahmed provides insight on ‘Fox and Friends Weekend.’
Minnesota officials have notified three restaurants that they face a 60-day suspension of their liquor licenses for violating the governor’s coronavirus restrictions on indoor dining.
The Department of Public Safety s alcohol and gambling enforcement division notified the establishments on Saturday that they would face a hearing before a judge, after which their license may be reinstated.
The Cornerstone Café, The Interchange and The Pour House were all observed serving customers indoors in violation of Gov. Tim Walz’s executive order, the Star Tribune reported. The Cornerstone is in Monticello, The Interchange is in Albert Lea, and The Pour House is in Clarks Grove.