Iron Waffle owner faces up to $84K in fines for continuing to serve customers without license parkrapidsenterprise.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from parkrapidsenterprise.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Judge finds Minnesota restaurant owner in contempt after operating without a license
The latest action comes after an expedited motion filed by the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office on behalf of the Minnesota Department of Health, seeking the order for contempt as part of a civil lawsuit against Iron Waffle first initiated in December 2020. The lawsuit was the next step at the time after months of inspections, fines and other administrative actions failed to prevent the business from disobeying executive orders concerning mask usage and takeout requirements while continuing operation. 4:00 pm, Jun. 23, 2021 ×
Customers eat on the deck of the Iron Waffle Coffee Co. on Friday, June 11, 2021, in Lake Shore. Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch
Judge finds Iron Waffle owner in contempt for operating without license brainerddispatch.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from brainerddispatch.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Reporter
MARSHALL Â Changes in Gov. Tim Walz’s executive orders affecting bars and restaurants could also mean a different outcome for a lawsuit against a Lynd restaurant.
At a Thursday morning Zoom hearing, the attorney representing the Minnesota Department of Health said the MDH would like a chance to talk with restaurant owner Larvita McFarquhar before moving ahead with a request for steeper civil contempt penalties.
Assistant Attorney General Kaitrin Vohs said the main thing the MDH wants is for McFarquhar’s business follows the executive orders. While restaurants in Minnesota are currently allowed to open for indoor dining, there are COVID-19 restrictions on table spacing, wearing masks, and not holding open-mic events.
Reporter
MARSHALL Â The owner of a Lynd restaurant was found in contempt of court Friday, after she said she would not follow a court order against indoor dining at her business.
A Ramsey County District Court judge said starting today, Larvita McFarquhar could be fined $250 for each day her restaurant is in violation of the court order.
The Minnesota Department of Health is suing the Haven’s Garden restaurant, for offering dine-in service in violation of state COVID-19 restrictions. Earlier this week, a judge granted a temporary injunction ordering McFarquhar to comply with executive orders affecting bars and restaurants. However, in videos posted on the Haven’s Garden Facebook page, McFarquhar said the restaurant would stay open.