COLUMBUS, Ohio — Since the state reopened its restaurants and bars earlier this summer, the Ohio Liquor Control Commission has handed out punishments to several local establishments for violating COVID-19 protocols.
Most of the punishments have been either fines or suspensions of liquor licenses, but on Monday, a Northeast Ohio bar became the first in the state to have its liquor license revoked due to coronavirus violations.
The commission found that on three separate dates, Highland Tavern in Akron was in violation of protocols. On August 6, the bar was cited for allowing alcohol consumption to happen after 11:00 p.m., a clear violation of Gov. Mike DeWine's order that alcohol is not to be sold after 10:00 p.m. and not consumed after 11:00 p.m. at bars and restaurants.
Highland Tavern was cited for again allowing alcohol to be consumed after 11:00 p.m. just two days later on August 8. They were additionally cited for allowing or engaging in improper conduct on that date.
Then on August 22, Highland Tavern was cited for disorderly conduct, selling alcohol after 10:00 p.m. and allowing alcohol to be consumed after 11:00 p.m.
Highland Tavern denied any violations in each case, but did stipulate to the facts. They will forfeit their liquor license effective on October 2 of this year.
Here is the list of other local establishments that went before the commission:
Captive8 Potato Bar - Cleveland
The bar was cited for disorderly activities, allowing drinking of alcohol after 11:00 p.m., and failure to display its permit in a 'conspicuous place.' on August 1. Captive8 was given a five-day suspension of its liquor permit license beginning on October 9, 2020. The bar was also given an additional five-day suspension for a non-COVID violation from 2019, but can pay a $1,000 fine instead.
A Touch of Italy - Shaker Heights
Cited for selling alcohol after 10:00 p.m., allowing consumption of alcohol after 11:00 p.m., and disorderly activities on August 1. The commission issued a 5-day suspension beginning October 9, 2020, but A Touch of Italy will have the option to pay a financial forfeiture in the amount of $1,000 in lieu of serving the suspension.
T and J's Smokehouse - Put-in-Bay
Cited for "recklessly causing inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm to another by creating a condition that presents a risk of illness" on July 25. The commission issued a 30-day suspension of its liquor license.
Commodore Motel - Put-in-Bay
Received no punishment after being cited for disorderly activities on July 24.
Valley Six LLC - Akron
Cited for selling alcohol past 10:00 p.m. and allowing drinking after 11:00 p.m. on August 6. Commission issued a 5-day suspension beginning at noon, October 9, 2020, but gave the permit holder the option to pay a financial forfeiture in the amount of $1,500 in lieu of serving the suspension.
1909 W25 LLC - Cleveland
Cited for allowing or engaging in improper conduct on July 16. Commission issued a 5-day suspension beginning on October 9, but gave the permit holder the option to pay a financial forfeiture in the amount of $1,000 in lieu of serving the suspension.
FWD Flats LLC - Cleveland
Cited for disorderly activities on July 18. The Commission issued a 10-day suspension beginning October 9, but gave the permit holder the option to pay a financial forfeiture in the amount of $2,500 in lieu of serving the suspension.
LGCE Holding Group LLC - Cleveland
Cited for disorderly activities on July 20. Received a 30-day suspension of liquor license beginning October 9. They also received a 3-day suspension for a non-COVID violation, but will have the option to pay a financial forfeiture in the amount of $600 in lieu of serving the suspension.
Grille 55 LLC - South Euclid
Cited for disorderly activities on July 24. The Commission issued a 5-day suspension beginning October 9, but gave the permit holder the option to pay a financial forfeiture in the amount of $1,000 in lieu of serving the suspension.
Wayne County Speedway - Orrville
Cited for disorderly activities on August 8. The Commission issued a 5-day suspension beginning October 9, but the Speedway will have the option to pay a financial forfeiture in the amount of $500 in lieu of serving the suspension.