Defying Governor Walz's Executive Order

Higher the interchange a popular eatery in albert lea defied the order from governor tim walz to close indoor dining.

Now they find themselves in the crosshairs of state officials and fighting for their liquor license.

Kimt new 3's maleeha kamal has more on the story.

Restaurant owner lisa hanson received a notice from the the minnesota department of public safety alcohol and gambling enforcement division informing her that her liquor license was suspension for sixty days.

"we are still open for business.

We are continuing to operate as normal."

Last week lisa hanson opened the dining room of her restaurant the interchange wine and coffee bistro to the public.

Orginially hanson made the decision to defy the governors order simply because she neded to make ends meet... now she says she is fighting for more than her own business.

"this is about so much more than the interchange.

This is about our constitutional rights.

" and though she may be fighting for something larger, her albert lea business is very much in jeopardy.

"we kind of understand what the risk would be going into this.

Which would be fines, possible lawsuits of losing our license etc and jail time is even talked about..

She believes the state wants to make an example of her?

"*?

"*?

"* but maintains she is in the right.

"the governor is writing laws actually which he is not allowed to do according to the constitution.

So he is acting illegally.

The attorney general is acting illegally along side of him by prosecuting an illegal edict.

Hanson is hoping that all kimt news 3 reached out to the state for an interview and they sent us this comment.

The minnesota department of public safety alcohol and gambling enforcement division strongly encourages bars and restaurants to comply with the governor's executive order.

Those that reopen for indoor service in defiance of the order are putting lives at risk.

We recognize the financial hardship restaurants and bars are experiencing during this difficult time, but health and safety must be our first priority.