‘We truly do not care,’ Nampa bar said before reopening. State Police just visited.

A Nampa bar that reopened in violation of Idaho’s stay-home order got a visit from Idaho State Police on Wednesday.

But Slick’s Bar is still pouring drinks.

Alcohol Beverage Control went to the motorcycle-friendly hangout at 525 E. Karcher Road to provide educational information about Gov. Brad Little’s order and the COVID-19 pandemic, said Capt. Brad Doty, Alcohol Beverage Control’s bureau chief.

Alcohol Beverage Control also is visiting other Idaho businesses opening against the order, he said. In addition to education, the purpose is to inform owners about the ramifications of violation. Little’s phased plan for reopening puts bars and nightclubs in the final stage, June 13-26.

In an interview with Boise State Public Radio this week, Little said that in addition to being “incredibly disrespectful” to businesses following the rules, establishments with a liquor license that defy the order would be “putting their license at risk.”

A Slick’s Bar owner signed a standard inspection form, Doty said, which is normal police procedure.

“We hope to gain voluntary compliance,” he said. “We’ll do rechecks of the businesses to see if they’re complying or not. If they’re not complying, then the investigation stays open just like any other investigation with any other violation of law.”

Slick’s has been public about its intentions on social media, declaring in April that “we truly do not care if you disagree.” It reopened May 1.

After the interaction with ISP on Wednesday, owner Sheila Sartorius posted on Facebook that “to stop the rumor mill I did not get arrested! ... Free as a bird, much to my husband’s dismay.”

“Please keep in mind, folks, if someone isn’t OK with us being open, that’s their opinion and their feelings,” she commented later on Facebook. “Just as I feel strongly that my business should be open.”

Detectives from Alcohol Beverage Control will keep calling on businesses violating the governor’s order, Doty said.

“There are enough concerns and complaints from our citizens in Idaho,” he said, “that we are prioritizing those complaints and getting to each of them as we have time and staff.”

There are 11 officers on the Alcohol Beverage Control enforcement staff, servicing 9,000 licenses and permits, he said. “I have eight detectives, one sergeant, one lieutenant and myself.”

There’s no timeline on the Slick’s Bar investigation. “Currently, at this time, it’s open-ended,” he said.

Slick’s Bar will be closed for at least one day, it reported on Facebook. “Just a little heads up we will be closed this Sunday for Mother’s Day. We are looking forward to spending the day with our two daughters that are mamas themselves. Cheers and be nice to your mama.”

This story was originally published May 8, 2020 at 12:11 PM.