No Shutdown Relief For Minnesota Liquor Sellers

ST. PAUL (AP) - The judge who oversees the Minnesota government shutdown is refusing to let the liquor keep flowing.

Judge Kathleen Gearin on Monday denied a request from the Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association to order back the state workers who process "buyer's cards" required of bars, restaurants and stores to purchase liquor from wholesalers.

About 300 establishments saw their yearly cards expire right as the government shutdown started on July 1. That number is expected to grow by August 1.

Gearin says if a budget deal is not in place by the end of this week that the Beverage Association may request a special court hearing on the matter.

Gov. Mark Dayton and Republican leaders continued work Monday to finalize the details of a broad budget agreement to end the shutdown.