COLUMBUS, Ohio — Several liquor permit holders cited with violations of the state's COVID-19 health and safety regulations appeared in front of the Ohio Liquor Control Commission this week.
There were 13 cases heard by the Commission, several of those cases involved establishments in Northeast Ohio. Charges included violating social distancing orders and engaging in various forms of improper conduct in violation of Ohio Department of Health orders.
Here is a list of those Northeast Ohio establishments who went before the Commission:
Yankies Bar & Grill - Geneva-on-the-Lake
Agents cited Yankies Bar & Grill, owned by Cove Inc., for allowing persons to engage in disorderly activities. Although two additional violations were overturned, the Commission suspended Yankies' liquor permit for 30 days beginning at noon on September 18.
East End - Cleveland
The Commission first heard a case from December, 2019 involving East End. The restaurant was found in violation because staff members 'assaulted, incited others to assault, hindered and/or obstructed an agent or employee of the Division of Liquor Control.' The Commission issued a 4-day suspension beginning September 18, but gave the permit holder the option to pay a financial forfeiture in the amount of $800.00 in lieu of serving the suspension.
East End also faced a COVID-related violation from July 3 of this year. The Commission issued a 20-day suspension beginning on September 22 for "allowing persons to engage in disorderly activities."
Vivid Restaurant - Maple Heights
Vivid Restaurant, owned by Scale Entertainment LLC, was found in violation for "allowing persons to engage in disorderly activities" on June 13. Vivid was given a 15-day suspension beginning September 18, but they have the option to pay a financial forfeiture in the amount of $3,000.00 in lieu of serving the suspension.
Medusa Restaurant and Lounge - Cleveland
Medusa was cited for allowing persons to engage in disorderly activities on July 4. The Commission issued a 45-day suspension beginning on September 18.
Other punishments handed out included:
- The Bait House in Port Clinton - 7-day suspension with the option to pay $1,400
- Niese Holdings, Put-in-Bay - 20-day suspension beginning September 18
- Adventure Bay, Put-in-Bay - 5-day suspension with option to pay $750
Earlier this month, the Ohio Liquor Control Commission issued penalties to The Wine Vault in Vermilion and Put-in-Bay Resort.
Last weekend, Patio Tavern in Lakewood and Upper Deck in New Franklin were both cited by the Ohio Investigative Unit for violating the state's COVID-19 protocols. Both establishments will go before the Ohio Liquor Control Commission at a later date.