Grand Marais closes liquor store, others remain open

The Grand Marais City Council voted last night, March 18, to close the Grand Marais Municipal Liquor Store for an indefinite time due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. They will revisit the decision at their next council meeting, on Wednesday, March 25.

The city council debated the decision, first considering staying open with limited access. But the council ultimately passed a unanimous motion to close the Grand Marais Municipal Liquor Store.

WTIP Community Radio reached out to other establishments that sell liquor to learn their plans. Most of the area’s liquor stores are remaining open, with some changes to operations. All of the businesses we spoke with asked customers to follow the guidelines of the Minnesota Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control for slowing the spread of the coronavirus.
Here’s what we learned.

Lutsen Liquor in Lutsen will also be open with no Sunday hours. Because the store is small, they are asking that no more than four customers enter the store at one time. Lutsen Liquor can be reached at 218-663-7370.

Tofte General Store and Bottle Shop in Tofte is remaining open unless otherwise directed by the State of Minnesota. If anyone is ill or under self-quarantine, Tofte General Store is offering grocery delivery, on a limited basis. They are also offering curbside service. Tofte General Store can be reached at 218-663-7288.

Temperance Traders in Schroeder will be open through the weekend and then will likely reduce hours next week. Temperance Traders Cabins has suspended rentals for 30 days. Temperance Traders can be reached at 218-663-0111.

Poplar Haus on the Gunflint Trail is open and offering curbside food service. The liquor store will remain open as long as Poplar Haus has supplies. Because the Poplar Haus liquor store is so small, they are limiting visits to two customers at a time. Poplar Haus can be reached at 218-388-2222.

Devil Track General Store and Liquor in Grand Marais will also be open for gas, groceries, and liquor as supplies last. Devil Track General Store can be reached at 218-370-8469.