(Columbus) – Agents visited the following liquor-permitted establishments and issued citations after witnessing the violations:
These cases will go before the Ohio Liquor Control Commission for potential penalties, including fines and/or the suspension or revocation of liquor permits.
Midway Bar, Columbus, received a citation for improper conduct – disorderly activity, furnishing intoxicating liquor to a person under 21 years of age, sale of intoxicating liquor to a person under 21 years of age, and permit not posted. While inside the establishment at 9:30 p.m., agents observed more than 100 patrons in the upstairs bar area with no social distancing being enforced by bar staff. Patrons were standing and dancing with no social distancing measures in place, and very few had facial coverings. In addition, agents observed bar staff serving youthful looking patrons and not checking identification. Five individuals were charged with underage drinking violations. As agents were exiting the permit premise, additional patrons were entering. Agents advised the manager to stop allowing additional patrons inside to create an environment more conducive to socially distancing.
Ray’s Pub, Akron, received a citation for after hours consumption – Rule 80. At approximately 10:20 p.m., agents observed patrons being served alcohol beverages, which patrons purchased before 10 p.m.
El Huarache Mexican Grill, Columbus, received a citation for after hours consumption – Rule 80. Agents and Franklin Township Police officers entered the premise at 12:25 a.m. and observed patrons continuing to consume alcohol.
“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,” said OIU Enforcement Commander Eric Wolf. “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.”
The Ohio Investigative Unit is made up of fully-sworn, plainclothes peace officers responsible for enforcing Ohio’s alcohol, tobacco, and food stamp fraud laws. Agents conduct compliance checks to ensure the liquor permit premises are compliant with the Ohio Liquor Control Act. Agents also act on complaints of illegal activity on liquor permit premises. In addition to providing the safety checks associated with the COVID-19 directives, OIU agents continue to perform their normal compliance checks to ensure the liquor permit premises are complying with the Ohio Liquor Control Act.