CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Four Northeast Ohio bars were cited Friday by the Ohio Investigative Unit for violating state health orders and coronavirus safety protocols.
The Ohio Investigative Unit cited the bars overnight after receiving several complaints of clear violations of the health orders, which have been issued by the Ohio Health Department to promote safety in bars and restaurants and slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.
These are the first citations issued locally since the Ohio Liquor Control Commission approved a proposal by Gov. Mike DeWine to end alcohol sales at the state’s bars and restaurants at 10 p.m. nightly.
Agents went to these four establishments after witnesses saw the following violations:
- Floods Restaurant, Warrensville Heights: Received two administrative citations for disorderly activity. The bar operated at more than double the permitted capacity on July 24 and July 31.
“Approximately 75 patrons were congregated, standing, seated in close groups or at the bar and moving freely about the premises while consuming alcoholic beverages,” according to a news release from OIU. “Music was playing with additional patrons dancing and consuming alcoholic beverages. Two violation notices were issued for violation dates of July 24 and July 31.”
- Captiv8 Potato Bar, Cleveland: Received citations for disorderly activity and limitation on hours for on-premises alcohol consumption. Law enforcement received a call about midnight Saturday that the bar was still selling alcohol after the new 10 p.m. last-call order.
“Agents and officers approached the main door, found it locked, and were unable to gain access,” the release says. “Agents and officers observed the premises occupied by a large number of people. As they checked the premises, they found a rear door and observed security officers moving large numbers of people out of the building. Agents and officers gained access through the rear door, at which time they observed numerous patrons still inside the premises and evidence of on-premises consumption.”
A Touch of Italy, Shaker Heights: Received citations for disordely activity and limitation on hours for on-premises alcohol consumption. Law enforcement received a call about about 11 p.m. in reference to alcohol consumption after the 10 p.m. last call order.
“Agents arrived at approximately 12:45 a.m. and observed approximately 50 people packed into a confined area in and around the bar,” the release says. “Patrons were standing, congregating at the bar and dancing while consuming alcoholic beverages.”
Bar staff was seen still pouring and serving drinks in front of OIU agents, the release says.
Secrets, Cleveland: Received citations for disorderly activity and limitation on hours for on-premises alcohol consumption.
Cleveland police officers called OIU agents about 2 a.m. after receiving a call about a disturbance at the bar.
“The establishment was heavily occupied and violating the current hours of sale,” the release says. “As officers and agents coordinated their entry, approximately 30-35 patrons were observed exiting the premises. Agents entered and discovered most patrons had departed. They observed approximately 15-20 people inside the premises and staff were aggressively cleaning glasses and bottles.”
A bar manager admitted to alcohol being sold until 1:45 a.m., the release says. Agents determined the establishment intentionally violated the hours of sale order.
The cases will go before the Ohio Liquor Control Commission for potential penalties, the release says.
“We continue to work with our law enforcement partners and local health departments following up on complaints to ensure liquor-permitted establishments maintain compliance, so everyone can enjoy a healthy experience,” OIU Enforcement Commander Eric Wolf said. “When egregious violations are observed, enforcement action is taken. We all need to continue to work together by following the precautions put in place to make these establishments safe and compliant with the directives.”
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