CLEVELAND — Two Northeast Ohio bars have been cited by the Ohio Investigative Unit (OIU) for violation of current health orders in regards to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to OIU, 3 Kings, located in Warrensville Heights, received a citation on April 4 for improper conduct -disorderly activity, after agents and Warrensville Heights Police were called to investigate the bar.
Officials say that police notice "egregious violations" including shoulder-to-shoulder patrons and a packed establishment, roughly 75 people over the legal capacity of the venue. Agents also say that most patrons were not observing any COVID-19 precautions, including social distancing or mask-wearing.
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DSTRKT, located in Cleveland, was also cited for improper conduct- disorderly activity.
Upon entering around 12:44 a.m. on Sunday morning, agents observed patrons not adhering to social distancing protocols and people gathering at the bar and DJ area. The OIU also says that there were no physical barriers in place inside of the establishment, as well.
Additionally, patrons were also found to be consuming alcoholic beverages while standing.
The two cases will now go before the Ohio Liquor Control Commission for possible punishments, including fines and/or suspension of a liquor permit.
Editor's note: The video in the player at the top of this article is from a story published on March 5, 2021.