Seven Ohio bars cited for COVID-19 Health Order Violations

Columbus, OH – From Saturday, February 27 to Sunday, February 28, The Ohio Investigative Unit charged seven 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.

Waterbury Coach House in Lakewood received a citation for improper conduct – disorderly activity. Agents investigated the liquor permit after receiving a complaint. At 8:55PM, agents said they witnessed patrons occupying consecutive seats at the bar. More patrons stood directly behind others to order. No social distancing measures or physical barriers were in place. This establishment was previously cited on January 8 for improper conduct – disorderly activity.

Harvest Saloon in Strongsville received a citation for improper conduct disorderly activity. Agents conducted an investigation after receiving a complaint. As agents entered the establishment, they said they observed approximately 200 patrons inside and a live band playing. Little to no social distancing measures were in place as patrons stood shoulder-to-shoulder throughout the establishment. Most all off the seats were occupied, as numerous patrons stood behind attempting to order. Agents observed little to no physical barriers in place separating social groups. Agents issued the citation at 11:25PM.

Rookies Sports Bar & Grill in Parma Heights received a citation for improper conduct – disorderly activity. Agents and Parma Height Police Department said they entered the establishment and observed approximately 200 patrons inside. Patrons occupied every seat at the bar as more stood behind others attempting to order. Additional patrons were observed standing, moving freely and congregating while consuming alcoholic beverages. Agents issued the citation today at 12:50AM.

Sky Mediterranean in Parma Heights received a citation for improper conduct – disorderly activity. Agents entered the location to issue a citation, which stemmed from a Parma Heights Police Department case on February 20. The case indicated officers were dispatched to the location for a fight. Upon arrival, the agents said they witnessed approximately 200 to 300 patrons and egregious violations of the health order. Numerous fights were in progress and resulted in several surrounding police agencies being called to assist. Based on the information provided by the Parma Heights Police Department, agents issued the citation today at 1:10AM. This liquor permit was also cited on October 30 and November 13 for improper conduct – disorderly activity, after hours consumption and after hours sales. Two other citations were issued on December 18. Both the citations were for improper conduct -disorderly activity. One of those citations stemmed from a Parma Heights Police Department case.

Colebrook Lounge in Orwell received citations for improper conduct – disorderly activity, insanitary conditions (fixtures, equipment, tables, counters, coolers/refrigerators, or utensils not clean or sanitary), and insanitary conditions (alcoholic beverages not maintained in potable condition). Agents and deputies from the Ashtabula County Sheriff’s Office said they observed patrons closely congregating and occupying consecutive seats at the bar. Little to no social distancing measures or physical barriers were in place. Agents issued the citation today at 12:20AM.

Bogside Pub in Willowick received a citation for improper conduct – disorderly activity. At 12:15AM, agents and Willowick Police Department officers said they witnessed patrons closely congregating and occupying consecutive seats at the bar. Additional patrons stood behind others to order at the bar. Patrons in separate groups were seated with no social distancing measures or physical barriers in place between groups. The liquor permit was previously cited in September for violating Rule 80. The ruling by the Ohio Liquor Control Commission can be found by clicking here.

Table Forty 4 in Toledo received a citation for improper conduct – disorderly conduct. Agents said they visited the establishment at 12:40AM and observed a large number of patrons standing and consuming alcohol. Many of the patrons were not wearing facial coverings or social distancing. Agents observed security at the door allowing patrons to enter with no controls on the capacity of the permit premises. 

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.