CLEVELAND — As the state of Ohio- and the rest of the country- continues its fight against the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic; officials are still working to crack down on businesses not adhering to guidelines put in place to slow the spread of the disease.
Overnight, agents with the Ohio Investigative Unit cited seven businesses, including Carney's and Dreamers, here in Cleveland, for failure to comply with health orders put in place by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine.
Carney’s, Cleveland, received a citation for improper conduct – disorderly activity and after hours sale – Rule 80. Agents visited the establishment at 10:20 p.m. and observed egregious violations such as approximately 60 to 75 patrons crowded close together with no social distance or physical barriers present in any portion of the premises. Patrons occupied every seat at the bar with many more standing directly behind others to order drinks. The bar continued selling alcoholic beverages after hours. Agents purchased an alcoholic beverage after hours.
Dreamers, Cleveland, received citations for improper conduct – disorderly activity, after hours sale – Rule 80 and after hours consumption – Rule 80. Upon entry after 11:45 p.m., agents observed egregious violations such as patrons shoulder-to-shoulder throughout the premises with no social distance or physical barriers. Agents observed no safety measures in place throughout the premises. Patrons occupied nearly every seat at the bar and there was little room to move without having direct contact. Bar staff continued to serve and numerous patrons consumed alcoholic beverages.
The other citations include establishments in Rittman, Mansfield, Middletown, Columbus, and Toledo:
BG’s Main Event, Rittman, received a citation for improper conduct – disorderly activity. Agents went to the establishment to issue citations stemming from Rittman Police Department cases on October 23 and October 24. When the agents entered, they observed approximately 75 to 80 patrons congregating and not maintaining social distancing during a Halloween party. Employees were not wearing facial coverings or trying to comply with health orders. The bar also received two additional citations based on the Rittman Police Department reports, each for after hours consumption and furnishing alcohol to an intoxicated person.
Line Star Enterprises LLC., known as The Electric Co., Mansfield, received a citation for improper conduct – disorderly activity. Agents observed approximately 100 patrons congregating and not maintaining social distancing during a Halloween party. Employees were not wearing facial coverings or trying to comply with health orders.
The Draft Bar & Grille, Middletown, received a citation for after hours sale – Rule 80. Agents observed several patrons being served beer and mixed drinks after 10 p.m. Agents purchased a beer from bar staff at 10:15 p.m.
Twist Lounge & Grill LLC., known as The White House, Columbus, received a citation for after hours sale – Rule 80. Agents entered at 10:18 p.m. and were able to order, pay for and receive a bottle of beer.
CRYOCREAM INC., known as Fusion, Toledo, received a citation for after hours sale – Rule 80. After 10 p.m., agents observed a bartender mix five shots containing an alcoholic beverage and place them on the bar in front of three patrons.
These cases will now go before the Ohio Liquor Control Commission for potential penalties, including fines and or the suspension or revocation of liquor permits.
As of Friday, the Ohio Department of Health is reported 3,845 new coronavirus cases and 16 newly reported deaths.
