Interchange in Albert Lea ordered by judge to pay $18k

(ABC 6 News) – The Interchange Wine & Coffee Bistro in Albert Lea was issued a default judgment earlier this week in a civil case filed by the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office.

Lisa Hanson’s company, MLH Enterprises LLC, which does business as The Interchange Wine & Coffee Bistro, was ordered to pay $18,000 in civil penalties to the state, along with reasonable attorneys’ fees and investigation and litigation costs.

The judgment comes after allegations that Hanson opened her business in December and January in violation of state executive orders banning in-person dining to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Hanson has also been charged with nine misdemeanor criminal charges tied to the case including violating emergency power or rule, as well as public nuisance charge.

The judge noted he issued the civil judgment in response to the State of Minnesota’s motion for sanctions against MLH Enterprises L.L.C. d/b/a The Interchange Wine & Coffee Bistro ("Defendant") for its failure to comply with the Court’s July 15, 2021 order compelling discovery.

Hanson has also been charged with nine misdemeanor criminal charges tied to the case including violating emergency power or rule, as well as public nuisance charge.

Hanson is scheduled for a pretrial hearing on the criminal charges on Nov. 24 with the jury trial to follow Dec. 6.