Seven Ohio bars cited for COVID-19 health order violations on St. Patrick’s Day

Columbus, OH – On St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 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.

Frenchy’s Irish Pub in Austintown received a citation for improper conduct – disorderly activity and permitting removal of beer or intoxicating liquor sold for on premises consumption. Upon arrival, agents said they immediately noticed a large crowd walking freely between this establishment and a temporary liquor permit premises. Agents observed approximately 400 patrons between the two locations, closely congregated throughout. Patrons occupied consecutive seats at the bar with more standing behind them to order. No social distancing measures or physical barriers were in place. Patrons were also permitted to stand and congregate while consuming alcoholic beverages. Little to no staff or customers were observed wearing facial coverings.

Anthony V. Spano Foundation in Austintown received a citation for improper conduct – disorderly activity and permitting removal of beer or intoxicating liquor sold for on premises consumption. As agents arrived, they said they immediately observed a large crowd walking freely between this temporary liquor permit premises and another establishment. Agents observed approximately 400 patrons between the two locations, closely congregated throughout. Patrons occupied consecutive seats at the bar with more standing behind them to order. No social distancing measures or physical barriers were in place. Patrons were also permitted to stand and congregate while consuming alcoholic beverages. Little to no staff or customers were observed wearing facial coverings.

Rays Pub in Akron received a citation for improper conduct – disorderly activity and hindering. Upon entry, agents said they observed approximately 150 patrons throughout the establishment. Most of the crowd congregated on the patio. Patrons occupied consecutive seats at the bar, as more stood behind to order. Little to no social distancing measures or physical barriers were in place. Patrons were permitted to stand and consume alcoholic beverages. This establishment was previously cited in September and October for after hours sale – Rule 80.

Public House in Cleveland received a citation for improper conduct – disorderly activity. Agents and Cleveland Division of Police officers said they observed a large number of patrons closely congregated throughout the establishment. Patrons were standing while consuming alcoholic beverages with little to no social distancing measures or physical barriers in place.

PPJ McIntyre’s Irish Pub in Cleveland received a citation improper conduct – disorderly activity. Agents and Cleveland Division of Police officers said they observed patrons closely congregating and standing throughout the establishment while consuming alcoholic beverages. Little to no social distancing measures or physical barriers were in place.

Smedley’s Bar in Cleveland received a citation for improper conduct – disorderly activity. Agents and Cleveland Division of Police officers said they entered the establishment and observed patrons standing while consuming alcohol and closely congregated, with little room to move. Agents and officers saw little to no social distancing measures or physical barriers in place.

Sports on Tap in Hilliard received a citation for improper conduct – disorderly activity. Agents said they observed little to no facial coverings worn by staff and patrons.

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.