State agents cite four Northeast Ohio bars accused of violating coronavirus-related liquor restrictions – cleveland.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio State agents on Friday cited five bars four of which are in Northeast Ohio and said the establishments violated coronavirus-related safety restrictions.

The Ohio Investigative Unit visited the bars after they received complaints of blatant violations of the restrictions the state enacted to try and slow the spread of the virus, according to a news release.

Of the five bars, two are in Willowick in Lake County, two are in Akron and one is in Columbus.

Agents cited Stage Pass in Willowick, accusing them of disorderly activity and violating the states new 10 p.m. cutoff for selling drinks, the release states. Agents went to the bar at 9:35 p.m. and saw between 50 and 75 people inside. Employees had not set up any physical barriers and people stood too close together, according to authorities.

Finally, bartenders who did not wear masks, gave patrons drinks after the 10 p.m., the release states.

At Kates Bar & Grill in Willowick, agents cited the bar for allowing patrons to drink after 11 p.m., according to authorities.

At the Highland Tavern in Akron, agents saw about 80 people there standing too close together, according to the news release. Agents bought drinks at 11:45 p.m. from bartenders who did not have on masks, the release states.

The establishment was given two citations. The release notes that the bar received citations on three other occasions.

At the Cedar Wings Lounge in Akron, employees allowed patrons to drink alcohol after the 11 p.m. cutoff for consumption, and agents cited the bar, according to the release.

Finally, at Buckeye Crazy Restaurant and Sports Bar in Columbus, agents bought drinks at 10:20 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. and cited the bar afterward, the release states.

The citations will go before the Ohio Liquor Control Commission, which will determine whether the bars will face penalties, which could include fines and the suspension or revocation of liquor permits.

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State agents cite four Northeast Ohio bars accused of violating coronavirus-related liquor restrictions - cleveland.com