A St. Paul American Legion post where a recent murder occurred faces a temporary closure by the city for alleged violations of its liquor license.

Numerous and "egregious" violations have happened in a short amount of time at the Attuck-Brooks American Legion Post 606, according to city documents. The city's Department of Safety and Inspections is recommending a 30-day closure and $2,000 fine.

Club officials have admitted to the facts and said steps have been taken to correct the problems, according to a July 26 letter from the club's board of directors to the city.

The club will get a chance to contest the penalty at a public hearing during the City Council meeting Wednesday.

Police inspected the club, at 976 Concordia Av., on May 15 and on June 23, 24 and 25.

The alleged violations recorded by officers include 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 the club.

In their letter, Legion officials chalked up some of the violations to misunderstandings. They said they now have an entertainment license, re-explained the security and membership policy to staff, and are retraining workers on how to retrieve surveillance footage.

The license conditions were imposed after a homicide last winter. On Jan. 31, what began as a robbery at gunpoint in the parking lot turned into a homicide in the alley behind the club. Legion regular Jeffery Logan was shot five times, authorities said.

Opening statements in the murder trial of the accused shooter, Ronald Hill of West St. Paul, were scheduled to start today.

The Legion post is the second St. Paul establishment in recent months to face harsh penalties.

The Moonlight Magic Bar in Frogtown was given back-to-back 30-day closures and $4,000 worth of fines for alleged license violations. In May, a 20-year-old man was beaten to death outside the bar; seven people face murder charges. The City Council approved the penalties on July 15 and Aug. 5.

In 2007, the council voted unanimously to revoke the liquor license of a Rice Street bar that had been the scene of a murder and shooting. Diva's Overtime Lounge then closed.

Chris Havens • 612-673-4148