Credit: Lisa Monet
Vandals allegedly disfigured the exterior of a Lakeville bar that continues to challenge the shutdown of Governor Tim Walz’s internal service, which aims to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Lisa Monet Zarza, owner of Álibi Drinkery, posted a video with graffiti messages scattered around the building in downtown Lakeville. The messages are of a vulgar nature, most of them 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 label’s work, they follow certain political affiliations, “Zarza wrote on Facebook.
Also hit by vandals was Alibi Drinkery’s neighbor, Angry Inch Brewing, which decided to close on Sunday. Angry Inch did not reopen its doors for internal services, so it is not clear whether the vandals intentionally targeted the brewery or whether it was a factor of being located next door in the same building.
“We need a mental and physical break,” says the Angry Inch post on Facebook. “We plan to be back next week on Wednesday to take and deliver again.”
Alibi Drinkery reported the vandalism after weeks of standing up to Walz’s executive order, even challenging a lawsuit by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, who is now seeking to find the owner of Alibi Drinkery for contempt of court.
The contempt hearing is scheduled for 11am on Tuesday and, if convicted of contempt, Álibi Drinkery could be fined, forced to pay state attorney fees and the possibility of Zarza being arrested.
“I am not happy to seek this sanction, but I cannot allow this establishment to prolong Minnesota’s pain,” said Ellison in a press release on December 31. “Almost all Minnesota companies are fulfilling their responsibilities to their communities to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but this establishment is challenging the court and the community and risking the miners’ lives.
“Minnesota residents have thousands of options to safely sponsor responsible, community-minded restaurants and bars this weekend. I encourage you to thank these companies for their business, “added Ellison.