WINONA, Minn. — Two city-licensed liquor establishments failed spot checks for serving under-age customer. Nine other establishments passed. The checks, starting about 9:30 p.m., were the first of the new school year at local colleges.
Failing
> East Side Bar, 851 East Wabasha Street.
> Sippi’s Pub & Grub, 176 East Third Street.
Passing
> Mankato Bar, 477 Mankato Avenue.
> 929 Beer House Bar & Grill, 929 East Sanborn Street.
> MGM Liquor Warehouse, 850 Menard Road.
> Kwik Trip, 770 East Broadway Street.
> Hei N Low Tap, 529 East Wabasha Street.
> Eagles Club, 210 East Fourth Street.
> Sammy’s Pizza & Restaurant, 126 West Second Street.
> Fifth Street Liquor, 501 West Fifth Street.
> Market Street Tap, 117 Market Street.
Forewarned
Police alert colleges about pending compliance checks ahead of time. In turn the colleges warn students. The alerts so far this fall were announced for September 4, a Thursday; September 9, a Tuesday; and possibly September 18, a Thursday.
Sippi’s
This is relative new on the downtown bar scene. It opened in October 2024 and become an upscale magnet for under-age drinkers. Ten under-age drinkers, ages 18 to 20, were found partying last March.
Gabby’s
Police rotate their targets for compliance checks. Not on the police list for Thursday’s compliance checks was Gabby’s Bar & Lounge, 179 Third Street. In the past year Gabby’s has been nicked for under-age service, not to mention arrests for fights and rowdyism.
Earlier: Too young to sip legally but were at Sippi’s anyway
Earlier: Gabby’ deeper into snubbing liquor license rules
Earlier: Another police call to Gabby’s bar
Earlier: Six under-age boozers nicked at Gabby’s
Earlier: Perfect score on new police check on bar compliance
Earlier: Police sting catches more illegal booze service