Credit: Lisa Monet
Vandals have reportedly damaged the exterior of a Lakeville bar that continues to challenge the closure of Governor Tim Walz’s indoor service, aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19.
Lisa Monet Zarza, owner of Alibi Drinkery, posted a video of graffiti messages spread across the building in downtown Lakeville. The messages are vulgar in nature, most use Nazi references and at least two condemn President Donald Trump.
“This is what happens when you stand up. We have surveillance cameras. Description of the 3 vehicles involved. 6 suspects, all with hoods and masks. 5 men, 1 woman. If you look at the operation of the label, they are still true political affiliations. “Zarza wrote on Facebook.
Also affected by the vandals was Alibi Drinkery’s neighbor, Angry Inch Brewing, who decided to close on Sunday. Angry Inch has not reopened its doors for service inside, so it is unclear whether the vandals intentionally ran the brewery or whether it was a factor that was directly next to the same building.
“We need some physical and mental rest,” Angry Inch’s Facebook post says. “We will aim to return next Wednesday next week to deliver it again.”
Alibi Drinkery denounced vandalism after weeks of defending Walz’s executive order, even challenging a lawsuit by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, who is now seeking to find Alibi Drinkery owner in contempt of court. .
Contempt of court hearings is scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday and, if found in contempt, Alibi Drinkery could be fined, forced to pay state attorney’s fees and the possibility of Zarza being jailed. .
“I’m not happy to seek that sanction, but I can’t allow this establishment to prolong Minnesota’s pain,” Ellison said in a Dec. 31 press release. “Almost all Minnesota businesses are fulfilling their responsibility to their communities to stop the spread of COVID-19, but this establishment challenges the court and the community and risks the lives of Minnesota.
“Minnesota has thousands of options for safely sponsoring responsible, community-minded restaurants and bars this New Year’s weekend. I encourage you to thank these companies with their business, ”Ellison added.