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.
“We see that most of the permit premises are following the precautions put in place to make their establishments safe and they are complying with the directives,” said OIU Enforcement Commander Eric Wolf. “As agents continue to conduct compliance checks they take enforcement action when egregious violations like these are observed.”
Agents visited the following liquor-permitted establishments and issued citations after witnessing the violations:
Upper Deck, New Franklin, received an administrative citation for improper conduct – disorderly activity. Agents visited the permit premises and observed lack of social distancing with numerous patrons congregating in groups.
Muddy Boot, Zanesville, received an administrative citation for limitation on hours for on-premises consumption and insanitary conditions. At approximately 11:20 p.m., agents entered the establishment and observed patrons walking around, standing, and consuming alcoholic beverages. In addition, patrons were ordering and purchasing alcoholic beverages at the bar. Agents were able to purchase beer for on premises consumption and the bartender was observed not wearing a facial covering. Agents conducted an administrative inspection of the permit premises and found additional violations of insanitary conditions. Guidance was provided to the staff by agents on how to become compliant with the Ohio Department of Health orders.
These cases will go before the Ohio Liquor Control Commission for potential penalties, including fines and/or the suspension or revocation of liquor permits.
Although many bars and restaurants statewide were found in compliance with health orders, a number of warnings were issued throughout the night.
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.
