Although the phrase originated back in 1940s Britain, the sage advice, “be careful what you say and where you say it,” is still relevant today. A flippant comment can have tough consequences. A Fifty Lakes resident is likely regretting his choice of words in a local liquor establishment.

A threat was issued

According to the incident report, a patron of the 50 Lakes Bar & Bottle Shop threatened to take the manager outside and beat him up. The manager filed an incident report with the Crow Wing Sheriff’s Department after being threatened, citing concern for his safety.

No trespassing

The patron was later served with a trespass notice. The notice prevents him from entering the bar for 30 days without express permission from the manager. A violation of the notice could result in a criminal trespassing charge. Trespassing violations are a misdemeanor in Minnesota, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and fines of up to $1,000.

The patron’s wife attended a Crow Wing County council meeting and asked for the trespass notice to be rescinded. She argued the comment was a joke and taken out of context. The request to rescind was denied. The patron will not face further punishment as long as he does not violate the trespass notice.

Not a joking matter

Although the alleged comment was made in jest, threats of violence have serious consequences in Minnesota. Threats, whether direct or indirect, to commit a crime of violence, such as assault, are categorized as a violent crime. The State of Minnesota classifies violent crimes as a felony. Felonies can result in prison time and substantial fines depending on the severity of the crime.

While threats are often made in moments of anger as a way of posturing, threatening to harm another person is never a good idea. Remember, careless words often carry weighty repercussions.