CLEVELAND — Editor's note: the video in the player above is from a story published on March 17, 2021.
On Thursday afternoon, the Ohio State Highway Patrol announced that four Northeast Ohio bars and restaurants have been cited for improper conduct and breaking COVID-19 protocols on St. Patrick's Day.
According to an email sent to 3News, Rays Pub (Akron), Public House (Cleveland), PJ McIntyre's (Cleveland), and Smedley's Bar (Cleveland) were all found to have violated the state's current guidelines for preventing the spread of COVID-19 within indoor dining facilities.
Rays Pub was cited for disorderly activity and hindering after agents observed more than 150 patrons freely occupying the establishment, with little to no social distancing measures in place. Agents also found patrons waiting at the bar in close proximity to other customers, and patrons standing and drinking. This is the third citation for Rays Pub, which was also noted for after-hours sales in both September and October of 2020.
Public House and PJ McIntyre's both received citations for improper conduct- disorderly activity. At each establishment, the Ohio State Highway Patrol said, "agents and Cleveland Division of Police officers observed a large number of patrons closely congregated throughout the establishment. Patrons were standing while consuming alcoholic beverages with little to no social distancing measures or physical barriers in place."
Smedley's Bar also received a citation for improper conduct- disorderly activity on St. Patrick's Day. Agents found little to no social distancing measures in place, and found patrons standing and consuming alcoholic beverages.
The four bars will now go before Ohio Liquor Control Commission where they could face potential penalties, including fines and/or the suspension or revocation of liquor permit.