Dilworth: Ratliff Charged in Underage Beer Sale
DILWORTH, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — Marissa Renee Ratliff faces a gross misdemeanor charge following an alcohol compliance check.
Ratliff, 22, is charged in Clay County District Court file 14-CR-26-2585.
The alleged sale happened April 30, 2026, at Red Hen Taphouse in Dilworth.
Prosecutors allege Ratliff served beer to two adult buyers who were under age 21.
Compliance Check Conducted in Dilworth
The complaint says the Clay County Sheriff’s Office conducted checks at licensed alcohol businesses.
Two adult buyers under 21 assisted with the compliance operation.
The buyers entered Red Hen Taphouse at 1710 Center Avenue West.
They each ordered a tap beer from Ratliff, according to the complaint.
Ratliff asked both buyers for identification before serving them.
The complaint says the buyers provided their driver’s licenses.
Prosecutors allege Ratliff looked at the licenses but still served both buyers.
Each buyer received a Coors Light, according to the court filing.
No law enforcement officer names are included in this report.
Gross Misdemeanor Charge Filed
Prosecutors charged Ratliff under Minnesota Statute 340A.503.
The law prohibits selling, bartering, furnishing, or giving alcohol to anyone under 21.
The complaint also cites Minnesota Statute 340A.702.
That provision classifies the cited offense as a gross misdemeanor.
The complaint lists a maximum sentence of 364 days in jail.
A fine of up to $3,000 is also possible.
Those are maximum penalties and do not represent a sentence against Ratliff.
State Law Includes Identification Defense
Minnesota law also provides a possible defense involving authorized identification.
A defendant may raise reasonable and good-faith reliance on valid proof of age.
Whether that defense applies would be decided through the court process.
The complaint itself does not establish guilt.
Charge Remains an Allegation
Ratliff is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was filed by summons rather than an order of detention.
Public case information is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
I’m Daniel Mercer reporting for northwestmnnow.com.
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