Coronavirus: 2 local bars cited for selling alcohol after 10 p.m., violating state health order

Two area bars were among the 14 cited statewide for selling alcohol after 10 p.m. last weekend, a violation of the state’s health order, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

>>PREVIOUS COVERAGE: 2 area bars cited for selling alcohol after 10 p.m. cutoff

Little York Tavern in Vandalia and the Madison Inn in Middletown were both cited Friday night after agents from the Ohio Investigative Unit were able to purchase alcohol after the 10 p.m. cut off, investigators said.

OIU agents were able to purchase alcohol at Little York Tavern around 10:15 p.m. and observed several customers at the bar being served alcohol from 10:15 to 10:22 p.m., according to investigators.

Tom Heil, the general manager of the Little York Tavern, said that the 10 p.m. cutoff is very hard on businesses like his.

“Personally I don’t understand if we get everybody out of here by 11 and the drinks are all off the table by 11,” Heil said. “The 10 o’clock cutoff is a little weird for last call.”

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

Heil added that he thinks some citations should be viewed differently. He’s seen many other businesses that had violations well after 11 p.m.

At the Madison Inn, agents were able to buy alcohol at 11:43 p.m. and observed at least 50 people consuming and ordering alcohol around that same time.

Heil said that there’s very little guidance for the punishments bars and restaurants could face for a citation. He said he’s followed stories of other bars receiving citations and is hoping that the Little York Tavern isn’t hit with any harsh penalties.

“The actual citation doesn’t say very much,” Heil said. “From what I’ve read about other bars is that we’ll have a court hearing and a court date. I don’t really know when that will be assuming we’ll hear from them in the next few days.”

>>RELATED: Judge rules order banning Ohio alcohol sales after 10 p.m. to remain in effect

“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 said in a media release. “When egregious violations are observed, enforcement action is taken.”

The health order signed in July prohibits on-premise alcohol sales after 10 p.m. at Ohio bars and restaurants. All alcohol purchased before the 10 p.m. “last call” must be consumed by 11 p.m. The Ohio Liquor Control Commission approved the directive July 31 and it was signed as an executive order by Gov. Mike DeWine.

The order will be in effect for 120 days from July 31 or until the liquor control commission rescinds the order.

The OIU is the enforcement agency investigating violations of COVID-19 regulations, as well as enforcing the state’s alcohol, tobacco, and food stamp fraud laws.

Other bars in the region, including Laynes Lounge in New Carlisle and Kings Grill in Lebanon have also previously been cited for violating the health order.

Cox Media Group