Almost 200 people attended a march Sunday against Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s executive order closing indoor services for restaurants, according to multiple reports.
The Interchange Wine and Coffee Bistro Owner Lisa Hanson organized the march after being faced with a potential five-year liquor license suspension, CBS Minnesota reported.
Albert Lea Wine Bar Owner Leads Rally To Protest Possible 5-Year Liquor License Loss: ‘It’s Time For Us Patriots To Rise Up’ https://t.co/gbqdDxZrAg pic.twitter.com/qMlqPhNy1c
— WCCO – CBS Minnesota (@WCCO) January 4, 2021
“It’s time for us patriots to rise up, in a peaceful way of course, and to say, ‘Hey, enough is enough,'” Hanson reportedly said. (RELATED: Video Shows LA Restaurant Owner Furious Over Outdoor Dining Ban As Movie Company Sets Up Tents Right Next Door)
Hanson has reportedly faced a temporary restraining order against the restaurant since December. The Minnesota Department of Health has also suspended the restaurant’s license, according to CBS Minnesota.
“We are open for business,” Hanson told the outlet. “[We’re] staying open because we need to make money to pay bills.”
The violations the restaurant is facing could mean a liquor license suspension for a total of five years.
“We’re well aware of what the consequences could be,” Hanson said, according to CBS Minnesota. “Either I closed permanently or I opened fully, so I opened fully . . . and yes, I knew the risks going into that.”
Hanson is reportedly entitled to a court hearing before any liquor license suspension goes into effect.