Central Minnesota bars open despite owner's fight over pandemic restrictions Stearns County liquor licenses approved despite bar owner's fight with state over pandemic restrictions The Stearns County bar owner was one of 12 sued by the state for planning to open during the shutdown — and one of five with lawsuits still ongoing. June 3, 2021 — 11:57am Text size Copy shortlink: Despite an ongoing lawsuit over a bar owner's plans to open during the in-person dining shutdown last May, doors are still open at multiple Shady's sites in central Minnesota. The Stearns County Board approved Tuesday the liquor license for the upcoming year at Shady's Long Shots in Cold Spring — even though the county attorney and sheriff declined to sign the renewal application — and Albany City Council approved Wednesday the liquor license renewal for Shady's Hometown Tavern and Event Center.