CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Four Ohio bars -- including one Akron and two in East Cleveland -- were cited Friday by the Ohio Investigative Unit for “blatant violations” of state health orders and coronavirus safety protocols, the unit said.
The Ohio Investigative Unit is made up of plainclothes peace officers responsible for enforcing Ohio’s alcohol, tobacco, and food stamp fraud laws. The state began citing bars for hour limitations after the Ohio Liquor Control Commission on July 31 ended alcohol sales at the state’s bars and restaurants at 10 p.m. nightly, to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Highland Tavern in Akron this week received two citations for serving alcohol after the state limit of 10 p.m. and one citation for improper conduct – disorderly activity, according to the Ohio Investigative Unit. The Akron Police Department issued a warning on Aug. 2, for serving after-hours. On Aug. 6, OIU Agents issued a violation notice for serving after-hours, according to the Ohio Investigative Unit. “Establishment staff indicated to agents, they would not comply and would continue to operate as normal,” the unit said in a news release.
After a citizen complaint, investigators arrived about midnight at Highland Tavern to see a lack of social distancing, employees not wearing masks, patrons congregating in large groups while standing and drinking, the unit said. Agents saw two bartenders continuing to serve alcohol to customers.
Positive Vibes Social Club in East Cleveland, received an administrative citation for improper conduct – disorderly activity. Agents worked with the East Cleveland Police Department, and observed “egregious violations of ODH orders,” including a complete lack of social distancing efforts, physical barriers and patr... (Read more)
Submitted 1327 days ago
Latest News