Judge Orders Duluth Head Shop Closed Until Hearing

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) - A judge has ordered a Duluth head shop at the heart of the city's fight over synthetic drugs to remain closed pending a hearing Tuesday.

Reports say the St. Louis County District Judge Eric Hylden signed the order Friday evening after a Duluth police officer bought synthetic drugs from the Last Place on Earth, which is not licensed to sell them under a new city ordinance.

Owner Jim Carlson is prohibited from reopening at least until a formal hearing Tuesday in state court in Duluth. Police are authorized to lock and secure the building if he fails to comply.

U.S. District Judge Michael Davis on Thursday denied Carlson's motion for a preliminary injunction to keep the city from enforcing its synthetic drug licensing ordinance.