Coronavirus: 4 Cleveland area establishments cited for violating orders

CLEVELAND — Agents from the Ohio Investigative Unit (OIU) cited four Cleveland area establishments for blatant violations of orders in place to reduce the spread of coronavirus.

>> Liquor control passes emergency rule to stop alcohol sales at restaurants, bars at 10 p.m.

Floods Restaurant in Warrensville Heights received two citations. Agents and the Warrensville Heights Police Department visited with the intent of issuing a violation from a previous date.

Floods Restaurants was operating at more than double the permitted capacity and violating social distancing. Around 75 people were gathered in close groups seated, at the bar and dancing while drinking. Two violation notices were issued for violations on July 24 and July 31.

Captiv8 Potato Bar in Cleveland was cited after the Cleveland Division of Police received a call around midnight that alcohol was still being sold.

When crews arrived they found the doors were locked although the premise was occupied by a large number of people.

Officers and agents watched as security moved large numbers of people out of the building. They then entered through the rear door and found many people still inside and evidence of alcohol consumption.

A Touch of Italy in Shaker Heights was cited after Shaker Heights Police contacted OIU Agents about the establishment violating the hours alcohol is allowed to be sold. Police responded to the premise around 11 p.m. but did not believe the manager would comply.

When agents arrived they found around 50 people packed into a confined area in and around the bar. People were drinking while gathering in groups and dancing. Bar staff continued to pour and serve alcohol in front of the agents.

Some measures were in place for physical distancing but were disregarded.

Secrets in Cleveland was cited after officers responded to a disturbance at the establishment around 2 a.m. and found it was heavily occupied and violating hours of sale.

>>Planet Fitness reverses mask policy that would have required masks while working out

As officers and agents coordinated their entry, around 35 people were seen leaving. When they entered they found those who hadn’t left drinking alcohol and evidence of more consumption. The on-duty manager admitted alcohol was being sold until 1:45 a.m., the time of last call.

Hours of sale had been intentionally violated.

These cases will go before the Ohio Liquor Control Commission for potential penalties which may include fines and the suspension or revocation of liquor permits.

“We continue to work with our law enforcement partners and local health departments following up on complaints to ensure liquor-permitted establishments maintain compliance, so everyone can enjoy a healthy experience,” said OIU Enforcement Commander Eric Wolf in a release.

“When egregious violations are observed, enforcement action is taken. We all need to continue to work together by following the precautions put in place to make these establishments safe and compliant with the directives.”

Cox Media Group