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3 Northeast Ohio bars cited for failure to follow COVID-19 health regulations

'Multiple' warnings were issued to other establishments throughout the night.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Investigative Unit on Friday cited three more Northeast Ohio bars for failing to adhere to health regulations in place because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Alleged violations range from failing to enforce social distancing to serving alcohol past 10 p.m. The establishments affected are as follows:

  • Highland Tavern, Akron: Police issued a warning last Sunday for violating the 10 p.m. alcohol order and intended to follow through with a violation notice on Thursday, but agents say workers at the bar said the "would not comply and would continue to operate as normal. The OIU then received a complaint from a resident and performed a compliance check Saturday at midnight, and investigators apparently found large groups together not wearing masks and continuing to drink alcohol. Citations issued for disorderly activity and limitation on hours for on-premises consumption.
  • Positive Vibes Social Club, East Cleveland: Agents and police allegedly witnesses "egregious" violations of health orders, including "a complete lack of social distancing efforts." Citation issued for disorderly activity.
  • Sportsman's Lounge, East Cleveland: Agents and police were notified of possible violations, and customers were seen drinking alcohol and congregating outside the bar as late as 12:15 a.m., several at a pop-up tent with tables and music. The bar owner said he was only selling drinks to go, but the beverages were "not sealed or packaged in any way" and patrons were allowed to keep drinking on the makeshift patio. Citations issued for disorderly activity and limitation on hours for on-premises consumption.

The cases for all three bars will now go before the Ohio Liquor Control Commission, and all face possible revocation of their liquor licenses. There were "multiple" warnings issued to other bars throughout the night, but only these three and another bar in Marietta were cited.

OIU Enforcement Commander Eric Wolf issued the following statement:

"The majority of establishments we visit are doing everything they can to provide a safe environment for their patrons. It is no surprise to see so many following the precautions put in place to make their establishments safe and compliant with the directives. Agents will continue to conduct compliance checks and take enforcement action when egregious violations are observed."

Although social distancing requirements have been in place since bars and restaurants were permitted to reopen in May, Gov. DeWine only put the 10 p.m. alcohol order in place last week amid a rise in COVID-19 cases across Ohio. Some in the restaurant industry have decried the effect the order will have on their businesses, but DeWine and others say the move was necessary to again "flatten the curve."

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