Four Ohio bars cited for COVID-19 health order violations

COLUMBUS – From Friday, April 23 to Saturday, April 24, 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.

Legends Sports Bar & Grill in Parma was cited for improper conduct – disorderly activity. At 10:10PM, on Friday, agents said they observed approximately 200 patrons inside the permit premises. Patrons were closely congregated throughout the establishment, occupying consecutive seats at the bar as others stood behind them to order. Little to no social distancing or physical barriers were in place. Patrons stood and congregated throughout the establishment. Most of the patrons and staff were not wearing facial coverings

Clevelander Bar & Grill in Cleveland was cited for improper conduct – disorderly activity. At 12:30AM, on Saturday, agents said they observed approximately 100 patrons closely congregated throughout the establishment. Patrons occupied consecutive seats at the bar and others stood behind them to order. Little to no social distancing measures were in place. Patrons were permitted to stand in multiple groups throughout the establishment while consuming alcoholic beverages and eating food with no physical barriers for separation. Many patrons and the bar staff were not wearing masks or facial coverings.  

Midway on High in Columbus received a citation for improper conduct – disorderly activity and permit not posted. Agents and Columbus Public Health conducted an inspection at 9:30PM on Friday. They said that there were approximately 100 people were in the lower portion of the establishment. There were also approximately 200 more patrons in the upstairs portion of the bar. Little to no facial coverings were worn by staff or patrons. Most of the patrons were standing and dancing. There was also no separation between groups, making it difficult to walk throughout the establishment.

Holiday Inn in Independence, was cited for improper conduct – disorderly activity. At 10:15PM, agents said they observed approximately 100 patrons congregating in groups throughout the establishment. Patrons occupied consecutive seats at the bar as others stood behind them to order. Patrons were also permitted to stand and dance throughout the establishment in multiple groups, with little to no social distancing or physical barriers in place.

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

The agents are from the Ohio Investigative Unit. The Ohio Investigative Unit is made up of fully-sworn, plainclothes peace officers. They are responsible for enforcing Ohio’s alcohol, tobacco, and food stamp fraud laws. That includes conducting compliance checks to ensure that liquor permit premises are in compliance with the Ohio Liquor Control Act.