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(Columbus) - Agents from the Ohio Investigative Unit (OIU) cited two establishments overnight after receiving complaints of blatant violations of orders in place to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.
Agents visited the following liquor-permitted establishments and issued citations after witnessing the violations:
Two Girls One Bar LLC., known as Average Joe’s Pub and Grill (4949 E. Dublin Granville Rd.), Columbus, received an administrative citation for limitation on hours of sales for on-premises consumption. Agents visited the establishment at 10:25 p.m. and observed staff members continuing to pour and serve alcoholic beverages to several patrons.
Dennis Coles, Otay’s Lagoon Saloon, known as The Lagoon Saloon, Port Clinton, received an administrative citation for limitation on hours for on-premises consumption and improper conduct – disorderly activity. Agents visited the establishment after receiving numerous complaints regarding the serving and consumption of alcoholic beverages on premises until 1 a.m. Agents observed the bar packed with patrons consuming alcoholic beverages after 11 p.m. and large groups of patrons congregating in areas of the establishment with no social distancing measures in place.
These cases will go before the Ohio Liquor Control Commission for potential penalties, including fines and/or the suspension or revocation of liquor permits.
“We all need to continue to work together by following the precautions put in place to make these establishments safe and compliant,” said OIU Enforcement Commander Eric Wolf. “OIU continues to work with local partners to follow up on complaints ensuring liquor-permitted establishments maintain compliance and enforcement action is taken when egregious violations are observed so everyone can enjoy a healthy experience.”
The Ohio Investigative Unit is made up of fully-sworn, plainclothes peace officers responsible for enforcing Ohio’s alcohol, tobacco, and food stamp fraud laws. Agents conduct compliance checks to ensure the liquor permit premises are compliant with the Ohio Liquor Control Act. Agents also act on complaints of illegal activity on liquor permit premises. In addition to providing the safety checks associated with the COVID-19 directives, OIU agents continue to perform their normal compliance checks to ensure the liquor permit premises are complying with the Ohio Liquor Control Act.
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