Dog House in Sandusky cited for COVID-19 violations

COLUMBUS – From Friday, April 9 to Sunday, April 11, the Ohio Investigative Unit charged six bars after they were observed violating COVID-19 health orders. The bars that were cited are listed below along with their charge.

The only local bar that was cited was Dog House in Sandusky. They received a citation for improper conduct – disorderly conduct. Agents and the officers from the Sandusky Police Department conducted a joint investigation at the liquor permit premises. At 10PM, agents said they observed patrons closely congregated. Little to no social distancing measures or physical barriers were in place. This location was previously cited for improper conduct – disorderly activity in August 2020. In that case, they were found guilty and given the option of a five-day license suspension or a $500 fine.

Touch of Italy in Bedford Heights received a citation for improper conduct – disorderly activity. At 8:30PM, agents said they observed a large crowd and patrons closely congregated throughout the premises. Little to no social distancing measures were in place. Most of the staff and patrons were not wearing facial coverings.  

Lake Effectz in Madison received a citation for improper conduct – disorderly activity.  Agents arrived at 11PMand said they observed patrons closely congregated throughout the premises with no physical barriers or social distancing measures in place. Patrons were shoulder-to-shoulder around the bar. Most of the patrons were not wearing facial coverings. 

Truth Social Club in Maple Heights received a citation for improper conduct – disorderly activity. Agents and officers from the Maple Heights Police Department entered the location just after midnight and said they observed more than 100 people closely congregated together. Agents were unable to move through the premises without repeated direct contact with patrons. Little to no physical barriers or social distancing measures were in place.

3 Kings in Warrensville Heights received a citation for improper conduct – disorderly activity. Agents issued the citation to the liquor permit as a result of an April 4 Warrensville Heights police case. Officers and personnel from the Warrensville Fire Department entered the location at 1AM and said they observed egregious violations of health orders. Patrons were shoulder-to-shoulder throughout, and the establishment was reported as being approximately 75 people over the legal maximum capacity. Most of the patrons were reported as not wearing facial coverings.   

The DSTRKT in Cleveland received a citation for improper conduct – disorderly conduct. Agents entered the location at 12:55AM and said they observed people closely congregated at both the bar and around the DJ area. Patrons were gathered around the bar with little to no social distancing or physical barriers in place. Additional patrons were standing and congregating around the DJ booth as they consumed alcoholic beverages.

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.