Four Ohio bars cited for COVID-19 Health Order Violations

Columbus, OH – From Thursday, March 18 to Sunday, March 21, The Ohio Investigative Unit charged four 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.

Scorchers in Bedford Heights received a citation for improper conduct – disorderly activity. Agents said they entered the establishment at 10:40PM and observed approximately 100 patrons closely congregated. Patrons occupied consecutive seats at the bar, while additional patrons stood behind to order. Others were permitted to stand while consuming alcohol. Agents observed little to no social distancing measures or physical barriers in place.

The DSTRKT Club in Cleveland received a citation for improper conduct – disorderly activity. Agents and Cleveland Division of Police officers said they entered the establishment at 12:30AM and observed patrons closely congregating throughout the bar. Patrons occupied consecutive seats at the bar, while others stood behind them to order. Many patrons were permitted to stand and consume alcoholic beverages. Little to no social distancing measures or physical barriers were in place. Most of the bar staff and patrons were not wearing facial coverings.

J Bar in Athens received a citation for improper conduct – disorderly activity. The establishment was cited at midnight after agents said they observed patrons congregated at the main bar. Patrons occupied consecutive seats at the bar, while others stood behind them to order. Agents observed patrons dancing on bar stools and walking freely throughout the bar consuming alcoholic beverages. Facial coverings were not worn by most patrons.

The Forum in Columbus received a citation for improper conduct – disorderly activity. At 11PM, agents said they observed approximately 250 patrons inside the establishment. The patrons were standing while consuming alcoholic beverages, co-mingling with other social groups and dancing. Most of patrons were not wearing facial coverings and little to no social distancing measures were in place.

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.