Court orders E. Grand Forks establishment operating in violation of Executive Order 20-99 to close

December 11, 2020 (SAINT PAUL) — Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced today that Polk County District Court has granted his office’s motion for a temporary restraining order to prohibit an East Grand Forks bar and restaurant, the Boardwalk Bar and Grill, from remaining open to the public for on-premises dining, as required under Governor Tim Walz’s Executive Order 20-99. The establishment has been operating in violation of the order for approximately 72 hours. 

Earlier today, Attorney General Ellison’s office filed a lawsuit against Boardwalk Bar and Grill for violating the executive order, which has the force of law during the peacetime emergency. The executive order gives civil enforcement authority to the Attorney General’s office.  

In issuing the temporary restraining order, the court wrote, “There is good cause to believe the State will likely prevail on the merits of its claim that Defendant is violating and about to further violate Order 20-99… It is clear from the facts shown by the State that Defendant’s patrons and general public will suffer irreparable harm unless Defendant is temporarily enjoined from opening for on-premises dining in violation of Emergency Executive Order 20-99.” 

“I’m grateful for the court’s quick action, because lives are at stake,” Attorney General Ellison said. “We will pursue this enforcement action in order to protect the health and safety of Minnesotans.” 

The court scheduled a hearing in the case for Wednesday, December 16 at 9:00 a.m. A copy of the court’s order is available on Attorney General Ellison’s website.