The Minnesota Attorney General's Office has opened a civil investigation into longtime problem businesses in North Minneapolis.
Merwin Liquors and Winner Gas Station have been the site of two shootings since the beginning of September. Now the pair of businesses are being investigated by Attorney General Keith Ellison’s office for unlawful and dangerous public nuisance.
"There is a steady amount of lawless activity that happens on and around their property, and they have to take steps to stop it,” Ellison told WCCO Radio. “Neither Merwin nor Winners are new to this issue. They know what’s going on. They know that the community and government want them to do better. They haven’t. That’s why we got involved.”
Ellison’s office sent both businesses notice of the investigation Thursday. The letters requested each business to provide the state with any complaints and regulatory or legal action taken on their business since Jan. 1, 2021. Ellison also requested internal communications about staff safety, security measures and any actions taken to stop criminal activity on the property.
Early indications are that they didn’t, Ellison said, adding that both businesses have turned a blind eye to gun violence and crime in the area.
“We are in the investigation stage at this point, but we know enough to know this has to stop,” he said. “We believe they should secure their property, they should stop loitering in the area, they should clean up their property and they should make sure they are not contributing to a worse neighborhood.”
Several hours after the announcement, Fox 9 reported that Merwin Liquors entered into a partnership with We Push For Peace, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit organization that will assume all staffing, security and community engagement responsibilities to help keep the property safe.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said the city is looking at “every possible avenue” to address crime in the city.
"Obviously, you've got to do that within the purview of the law itself," Frey said Thursday, "and we are making sure we are supporting every option that is out there."
The Attorney General’s Office has already spoken with community members and is asking for more help from the public. Anyone with concerns or witness accounts of criminal acts at these locations can submit a claim online or call Ellison’s office at 651-296-3353.
Once the investigation is finished, the businesses will have 30 days to correct any issues that Ellison’s office finds. Ellison said a legal notice that will trigger the 30-day clock will come “soon.” He declined to give any more specifics on the investigation timeline.