Rogue liquor store agrees to $50,000 fine

Published 10:26 pm Monday, May 15, 2017

MINNEAPOLIS  — The Minneapolis liquor store Surdyk’s has agreed to pay a much larger fine than first envisioned for jumping the gun on a state law allowing Sunday sales.

Jim Surdyk opened his store on Sunday, March 12. That was after lawmakers repealed Minnesota’s ban on Sunday alcohol sales — but well before the repeal takes effect July 2. Last month, a City Council committee rejected as too lenient a proposed $6,000 fine and 10-day license suspension.

According to a press release, the latest deal calls for Surdyk’s to pay $50,000, but it would be closed only three Sundays — July 2, July 9, and July 16.

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If a City Council committee approves the proposal Tuesday, it would go to the full council.

Surdyk would have to pay the penalty by May 31.