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Jewel's Dance Hall in Ashtabula County cited for violating state COVID-19 health orders, announces temporary closure

It was the sole bar cited by OIU agents Friday.

AUSTINBURG, Ohio — *Editor's Note: The video in the player above previously aired on December 3, 2020

An Ashtabula County bar was cited overnight for violating state COVID-19 health orders. As the state of Ohio navigates a surge in Coronavirus cases, agents with the Ohio Investigative Unit continue their work to enforce the health orders put in place by Gov. Mike DeWine to slow the spread of the disease. 

On Friday, Jewel's Dance Hall is Austinburg was cited for improper conduct and disorderly activity.  Agents responded to the liquor permitted business following a request from the Sheriff's Office for assistance. 

According to reports, agents visited the establishment and around 9: 40 p.m. and observed approximately 150 guests and "egregious violations of health orders."  Nearly every seat in the bar was occupied and guests were lined up behind one another, agents report there were no attempts to maintain social distancing or any physical barriers in place. 

"Agents also observed patrons standing, walking freely and dancing while consuming alcoholic beverages," a released explained.

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

Following the citation, Jewel's announced that it will be closed until further notice.

"To all of our wonderful customers thank you for supporting us. We love you all so much and appreciate these last few months of being open,"  said in a post on the businesses Facebook page. " We cannot wait for this to all be over," the post concluded. 

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On Friday, the Ohio Department of Health reported 10,114 new COVID-19 cases and 129 new deaths. Watch Gov. DeWine's most recent press briefing in the player below.

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