CLEVELAND — * Editor's Note: A previous version of this story mentioned only seven businesses being cited. New information was provided Monday and the story was updated to reflect the new information.
Gov. Mike DeWine is serious about stopping the spread of COVID-19 in Ohio, even if that means citing the businesses once shuttered by his 'Stay-at-Home' order.
Eight restaurants, bars and clubs were cited over the weekend for violating the state's health orders, according to an updated report released Monday. Of the eight businesses, four were located in Cleveland, Ohio.
Jawbone Partners LLC, known as Dante’s Inferno and Backyard Bocce in Cleveland was given an administrative citation for improper conduct and disorderly activity, Friday, July 17. Customers were seen congregating and playing games with no social distancing measures in place, according to the report.
FWD Flats LLC, known as Forward in Cleveland was given an administrative citation for improper conduct and disorderly activity, Saturday, July 18. Operating solely as a dance club, officials witnessed several hundred people standing, congregating and dancing without social distancing measures in place, the report said.
Down River Specialties Incorporated, known as Club Paradis in Cleveland was hit with back-to-back citations for violation of Health Department orders both Friday and Saturday.
On Friday, the adult night club was given an administrative citation for improper conduct and disorderly activity. More than 150 in a confined space were observed by officers with no social distancing in place. According to the report, those in attendance(including employees) were engaged in repeated direct contact.
On Saturday, the business received a second administrative citation for improper conduct and disorderly activity. Despite having decreased capacity, several violations remained within the establishment. Patron were observed standing ans dancing in close proximity to one another. Employees were also seen making close of direct contact with customers.
According to the report, Cleveland Police also issued a misdemeanor criminal summons to the owner for violations of ODH and CDPH health orders.
On Sunday, LGCE Holding Group, LLC., known as Rumor Bar & Lounge was cited for improper conduct and disorderly activity. According to officials, the permit holder at Rumor was also issued a misdemeanor criminal summons for violations of ODH and CDPH health orders by Cleveland Police.
The other business cited include:
- Riverside Restaurant & Bar, Powhatan Point
- Isaiah R. Poindexter, known as All City Sports Bar and Grill, Youngstown
- Viaduct, Tiffin
- Amy May’s Tacos, Findlay
The citations were issued by the Ohio Investigative Unit in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies.
“The goal of these compliance checks is to safeguard all patrons by ensuring that liquor-permitted establishments maintain compliancy, so they can continue to serve their customers and everyone can enjoy a safe and healthy experience,” said OIU Agent-in-Charge Michelle Thourot.
For more information on the citations, click here.
