Five Ohio bars cited for COVID-19 Health Order Violations

From Thursday, January 21 to Saturday, January 23, The Ohio Investigative Unit charged five bars after they were observed violating COVID-19 health orders. No local bars were cited. The bars that were cited are listed below along with their charge.

Shamrock Irish Pub in Logan received a citation for improper conduct – disorderly activity and improper labeling of pre-mix alcoholic beverage dispensing containers. Agents said they arrived at the establishment at 10:45PM and observed the bar open and in operation. Approximately 15 patrons were inside, standing while consuming alcoholic beverages. Most of the patrons and staff were not wearing facial coverings and no social distancing measures were in place.

El Cowboy in Austintown received a citation for improper conduct – disorderly activity. Agents said they arrived at the the establishment and entered the establishment at 8:45PM and observed approximately 100 patrons and a live band performing. Several patrons were dancing, congregating and moving freely throughout the premises while consuming alcohol. Seats at the bar were occupied with no social distancing measures in place. Multiple patrons were also observed standing in the bar area.

Pegasus Pub in Akron received a citation for improper conduct – disorderly activity. Agents said they arrived at 11:20PM and witnessed approximately 25 patrons within the establishment consuming alcoholic beverages. Most of the seats were occupied and multiple patrons were standing with little social distancing measures in place.  

Captn’ Morgans in Zanesville received a citation for improper conduct – disorderly activity. Agents said they arrived the establishment at 10:45PM and observed approximately 20 patrons inside, many of them standing and consuming alcoholic beverages. Patrons were permitted to intermingle with other social groups. Most of the individuals in the establishment were not wearing facial coverings. Agents also saw the bar was open and in operation. The agent was able to purchase a beer at 10:50PM

Frosty Mug Sports Bar in Marion received multiple citations for improper conduct – disorderly activity. The Marion Police Department referred two cases to agents. Agents and officers said they arrived at the establishment at 10:20PM to issue citations for the Marion cases. Upon arrival they observed approximately 20 patrons and two staff members in the bar area with little to no social distancing and no facial coverings used by most. Agents also observed several patrons with alcoholic beverages in their hands. The permit was cited for improper conduct – disorderly activity by agents for the on view violations. The liquor permit received two additional citations for the Marion Police cases, one for improper conduct – disorderly activity for a case on January 12 at 12:10AM and another for improper conduct – disorderly activity and improper conduct – drug use, which stems from a case on January 15 at 10:12AM

All cases listed above will go before the Ohio Liquor Control Commission for potential penalties, including fines and/or the suspension or revocation of liquor permits.