Defying governor’s order, this Nampa bar reopened early in May. Now it has a problem.
In a public display of defiance, Slick’s Bar in Nampa reopened early last month in violation of the Idaho stay-home order.
Now it’s being asked to pay a legal price.
Slick’s, 525 E. Karcher Road, posted a copy of a letter it received from Idaho State Police on its Facebook page on June 6. The notice indicates that Slick’s allegedly violated state alcohol beverage law. If Slick’s agrees that the violation occurred, the letter says, it has the option of a proposed 45-day suspension of its retail alcohol beverage license or a $2,500 fine.
“Well, Governor Little, in fact I do not believe this violation did occur,” Slick’s wrote on Facebook.
Slick’s has been consistently vocal on social media about its coronavirus shutdown beliefs. In April, the bar posted that it planned to reopen early, saying “we truly do not care if you disagree.” It resumed pouring drinks May 1.
Alcohol Beverage Control visited the motorcycle-friendly hangout days later to provide educational information about Gov. Brad Little’s order, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic. A Slick’s owner signed a standard inspection form, which is normal police procedure — and the bar kept pouring drinks.
But now that all Idaho bars and restaurants have been allowed to reopen with limited capacities, Slick’s is facing a penalty. Based on the bar’s response on Facebook, it does not appear that this will occur without a debate.
“You asked us all to shut our doors,” Slick’s wrote. “We did. We were closed for 37 days while you decided whose livelihood you would spare. We waited and decided to save our selves. $2,500 or a 45-day suspension for a BS health ordinance. Is your goal to shut down small businesses? Once again you are extremely disappointing as a leader of this great state. I look forward to our conversation. Ironically small business gets a $2,500 fine for returning to work while others get a $1,250 bonus.”
This story was originally published June 9, 2020 at 12:17 PM.