Anoka Council Rescinds Charitable Gambling Permit for Our Lady of Epiphany Foundation at 201 Tavern & Grill

Anoka Council Rescinds Charitable Gambling Permit for Our Lady of Epiphany Foundation at 201 Tavern & Grill

Anoka, MN — The Anoka City Council has rescinded its earlier approval of an LG214 charitable gambling premises permit for the Our Lady of Epiphany Foundation at 201 Tavern & Grill, effectively halting the organization’s ability to operate lawful gambling activities such as pull-tabs, bar bingo, and electronic games at the venue.

The decision, finalized during a special council meeting on September 22, 2025, reverses a recommendation the council adopted just weeks earlier at its August 4 meeting. At that time, the foundation had sought to establish operations at the tavern, following outreach by the business owner to secure a new nonprofit gambling partner.

The Permit and Council Authority

Under Minnesota law, an LG214 premises permit is required for nonprofit organizations to conduct charitable gambling at a specific location. While the Minnesota Gambling Control Board issues the permits, cities play a central role in the process by reviewing applications and recommending approval or denial. Once issued, a permit generally remains in place unless the organization violates state or local rules, in which case a city council may pass a resolution requesting revocation.

In this case, Anoka officials raised questions about whether the Our Lady of Epiphany Foundation met city code requirements regarding the location of its principal office. City staff noted that the foundation’s registered address with the Minnesota Secretary of State was initially outside Anoka and later changed to a residential address within city limits, triggering a review of its eligibility under Anoka’s ordinances.

Oversight and Local Impact

Anoka’s municipal code stipulates that organizations must maintain their main physical office in the city—or qualify for limited exemptions—to receive a premises permit. The council’s decision to rescind approval underscores the city’s willingness to enforce those provisions to ensure charitable gambling activity remains tied to locally based organizations.

Historically, groups such as the Anoka Area Hockey Association have provided gambling operations at 201 Tavern & Grill, with proceeds supporting youth athletics and community programs. By rescinding approval for the Our Lady of Epiphany Foundation, the city signaled its intent to preserve the integrity and local accountability of charitable gambling operations.

What Comes Next

With the council’s action, the matter now returns to city staff and the Minnesota Gambling Control Board for any necessary follow-up. The decision also highlights the broader role of municipalities in maintaining oversight of charitable gambling—an activity designed to benefit local programs and community initiatives but requiring strict compliance with both state law and city ordinances.

The council’s resolution serves as a reminder that approvals are not automatic, and that Anoka will act decisively when questions arise about compliance, organizational eligibility, or the proper use of charitable gambling in the community.

MinneapoliMedia