City To Suspend Surdyk's Liquor License For Selling Alcohol Sunday

UPDATE, 1:50 p.m. – In response to Surdyk's Liquor and Cheese Shop "knowingly and intentionally violating the law by selling liquor on a Sunday," Minneapolis city officials say a $2,000 civil penalty is being imposed on the business, and the city will suspend the store’s off-sale liquor license for 30 days, beginning July 2, 2017.

This decision is in lieu of $3,500 in citations that were initially considered Sunday. Surdyk’s has an opportunity to appeal the city’s decision.

Below is a copy of the Notice of Adverse License Action, which was served on Surdyk’s Monday afternoon:

Surdyk's Notice of Adverse Action 3-13-17 by William Bornhoft on Scribd

Below is a statement from the city of Minneapolis March 12 regarding the Sunday liquor sales by Surdyk's:

"The City has been in verbal contact with owner Jim Surdyk. He was advised, both by phone and again in person, that allowing his store to be open for liquor sales on Sunday was in violation of the law. The new Sunday liquor sales law does not go into effect until July 1, 2017."

"As a result of this violation, the City is in the process of issuing $3,500 in citations against Surdyk’s. The City will also pursue sanctions against the off-sale liquor license held by Surdyk's based on the owner's clear disregard of the law."

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Last week, Gov. Mark Dayton signed a bipartisan bill to officially give liquor stores in Minnesota the option to open on Sundays beginning on July 2, 2017.

However, one Twin Cities liquor store apparently won't be waiting that long. Surdyk's, located in Northeast Minneapolis, said on Twitter that the store is selling alcohol Sunday.

While the ban will be officially lifted in July, owner Jim Surdyk told WCCO that because Dayton signed the bill last week, he’s opening his business on Sundays now.

The decision may not go without consequence. A Minneapolis city official said Sunday that Surdyk’s could face a $500 fine, WCCO reported. The store has remained open anyway.

Surdyk’s plans to be open Sunday through 6 p.m.

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