St. Paul American Legion post ordered shut

The Attucks-Brooks post will pay a fine and close for 20 days because of too many license violations in too short of a time.

By CHRIS HAVENS, Star Tribune

Last update: November 4, 2009 - 9:51 PM

When the St. Paul City Council cuts you some slack, don't mess up four days later.

Just ask the Attucks-Brooks American Legion Post on Concordia Avenue.

The private club was fined $2,000 and closed for 20 days Wednesday after council members found the club had repeatedly violated liquor license conditions imposed after a homicide outside the Post 606 building at 976 Concordia Av. last winter.

Police inspected the club four times during May and June and recorded violations that included not providing surveillance video immediately when police requested it, not using metal detectors on patrons, providing entertainment without an entertainment license, and allowing people who weren't members or guests of members to enter.

At an Aug. 19 council hearing, the club faced a $2,000 fine and 30-day closure, but council members ordered a $1,000 and a 10-day suspension, provided there were no new violations in the next 18 months.

But just four days later, police stopped by the Legion and found that guards weren't using metal detectors and people weren't signing the guest book before entering.

Willie Woodson, commander of Post 606, said Wednesday that what happened was indeed a "blatant disregard" of the license conditions. He listed changes in the club's operations, including new security, extended hours for checking guests and more staff training.

"We've certainly learned our lesson," he said. "We promise and guarantee there won't be a reoccurrence."

He said the Legion Post is important to the community because it provides a place for veterans to socialize, raises money for good causes and provides volunteer help.

Council Member Melvin Carter III, whose ward includes the Legion Post, said that while he appreciated the steps taken by the organization to fix the violations, people need to be held accountable for what happens on their property.

"It's unfortunate we're having this conversation so soon," Carter said. An additional $1,000 fine was tacked on because of the August violations.

Woodson said after the vote that he thought the council might have given some consideration to what his group does for the community and eased up. "Twenty days won't shut us down, but it will hurt us substantially," he said.

The period for the closure hasn't been set and might be postponed until after the holiday season so the group can do fundraising and charity work.

Chris Havens • 612-673-4148

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