Edina council fines Boj’s Wine Bar $1,000 and schedules three‑day alcohol‑sales suspension after second compliance violation

The Edina City Council voted June 16 to impose a $1,000 fine and a three‑day suspension of liquor sales on Boj’s Wine Bar following the establishment’s second compliance violation within a 24‑month review period. City clerk Sharon Ellison explained that the police compliance checks covered 52 establishments and resulted in six violations; a second violation within 24 months triggers a public hearing and the higher penalty under the city’s penalty matrix.

Owner Lindsay Jacques appeared at the public hearing, accepted responsibility for the violation and described internal training and staffing challenges. Jacques said she did not want to fire the employee who failed the compliance check and asked the council for leniency because a three‑day suspension would hit employees’ pay and fell during a promotional restaurant‑week period. The council initially approved the three‑day suspension and fine, then reconsidered at the same meeting and amended the suspension dates so the three days would fall on June 30, July 1 and July 2 to reduce adverse impact on the business’s schedule.

City staff and the city attorney told the council the penalty matrix in the municipal code establishes the usual sanction for a second offense but that the council has discretion to deviate from the matrix if it provides written findings explaining extenuating circumstances. Councilmembers who discussed the matter noted sympathy for the owner and employees but emphasized consistent application of the penalty matrix. The final action balanced those concerns: the $1,000 fine stands, and the council approved a date change for the three‑day suspension.