Mankato bar linked to alcohol death closes

A Mankato bar linked to the alcohol poisoning death of a woman on her 21st birthday is closing. Property owners are working to evict Sidelines Bar and Grill. In addition, the city is revoking the bar's liquor license.

Former Minnesota State University Mankato student Amanda Jax died after drinking at Sidelines on the night of her 21st birthday Oct. 30, 2007.

Authorities say her blood alcohol level reached .46.

Mankato Mayor John Brady said Sidelines has a history of problems.

"The pattern isn't good," said Brady. "The citizens suffer from some of the activities that over-consuming people do in the neighborhoods, especially in the summer. It's not the kind of behavior we want to continue in our community."

Officials with the city and the university have been working to address a perceived culture of drinking by young people in Mankato.

The university has organized a town hall summit Wednesday. The owners of the bar could not be immediately contacted for comment.

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