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Claw Machines In St. Paul Bars Boast Live Lobsters

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- The claw machines in two St. Paul bars boast something quite different than the typical stuffed animal -- they've got live lobsters.

For $2 a pop, customers at Shamrocks Grill and Pub can try their hand at winning their very own lobster. If they do, the kitchen staff cooks it for them and serves it with broccoli and bread.

But Minnesota Public Radio reports that can quickly turn into $20, as the lobsters are difficult to catch.

There's another one at Tiffany Sports Lounge in St. Paul, and the distributor has plans for two more, including one at Burrito Loco in Minneapolis.

Although similar operations have drawn complaints from animal rights groups in other states, distributor Cliff Hentz said they're treated no differently than the lobsters at Red Lobster.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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