Credit: Lisa Monet
Vandals have reportedly damaged the exterior of a Lakeville bar that continues to defy the closing of Gov. Tim Walz’s back office, which aims to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Lisa Monet Zarza, owner of Alibi Drinkery, posted video of graffiti posts scattered around the downtown Lakeville building. The posts are vulgar in nature, most using Nazi references and at least two condemning President Donald Trump.
“This is what happens when you get up. We have surveillance cameras. Descriptions of all 3 vehicles involved. 6 suspects, all with hoods and masks. 5 men, 1 woman. If you look at the tag work, they follow certain political preferences . ‘,’ Zarza wrote on Facebook.
Also hit by vandals was Alibi Drinkery’s neighbor, Angry Inch Brewing, who decided to shut down on Sunday. Angry Inch has not reopened its doors to back office service, so it’s unclear whether the vandals were deliberately targeting the brewery or whether it was a factor to be located right next door in the same building.
“We need a mental and physical break,” Angry Inch’s Facebook post reads. “We aim to be back next Wednesday to leave and deliver again.”
Alibi Drinkery reported the vandalism after weeks of violating Walz’s executive order, even defying a lawsuit from Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and a district judge’s order to close.
A contempt of court hearing is scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday, and if Alibi Drinkery is caught in contempt he could be fined and forced to pay state attorney fees. Zarza may be locked up.
“I have no pleasure in seeking this sanction, but I cannot allow this establishment to prolong the pain of Minnesota,” Ellison said in a Dec. 31 press release. “Nearly all Minnesota businesses are taking responsibility to their communities to stop the spread of COVID-19, but this establishment is defying the courts and the community and risking Minnesota life.
“Minnesota has thousands of options to safely settle into responsible, community-based restaurants and bars this New Year’s weekend. I encourage them to thank those companies for their business, “Ellison added.