Democrats retain Melissa Hortman seat, Minnesota House is tied

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

Minneapolis liquor store owner Jim Surdyk will pay a much larger fine for jumping the gun on Sunday sales. But under a new settlement proposal with the city, he faces a much shorter license suspension.

With much fanfare, Surdyk opened his Northeast Minneapolis 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 That was after lawmakers repealed Minnesota's ban on Sunday alcohol sales -- but well before the repeal takes effect July 2.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 a proposed $6,000 fine and 10-day license suspension after council member Lisa Goodman called it too lenient. 

calls for Surdyk to pay $50,000. But his store will be closed only three Sundays -- July 2, 9, and 16. 

The city's Community Development and Regulatory Services Committee will vote on the settlement proposal Tuesday.

If the committee approves the proposal, it would go next to the full city council. Under the agreement, Surdyk would have to pay the penalty by May 31.

The City Attorney's office has charged the business, Surdyk's Liquor Incorporated, with two gross misdemeanors and one misdemeanor in connection with the March 12 liquor sales.

Crime, Law and Justice

Matt Sepic

Author

The latest proposed deal calls for Surdyk to pay $50,000. But his store will be closed only three Sundays -- July 2, 9, and 16.

Surdyk's faces higher fine, shorter suspension under new settlement proposal

Go Deeper.

Like this?