June 28--The St. Paul City Council voted to temporarily suspend the liquor licenses of two St. Paul restaurants.

The restaurants are accused of continuing to serve alcohol despite allowing their liquor liability insurance to lapse, a violation of city rules, according to officials at the Wednesday, June 27, council meeting.

Carmelos Ristorante, at 283 S. Snelling Ave., will not be allowed to sell alcohol for 10 days. The restaurant allowed its insurance to lapse for seven months, from August 29, 2011 to March 21 of this year.

The Rusty Taco, at 508 S. Lexington Parkway, allowed its liquor liability insurance to lapse for two months, from Feb. 1 to April 1.

At the urging of Council Member Chris Tolbert, the council agreed that the Rusty Taco, which is newer, should have its liquor license suspended for two days, with eight additional days imposed if it incurs additional infractions within the next two years.

Frederick Melo can be reached at 651-228-2172. Follow him at twitter.com/FrederickMelo.

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