Agents from the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Ohio Investigative Unit cited three Wood County establishments overnight after receiving complaints of blatant violations of orders in place to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.
Agents visited the following liquor-permitted establishments and issued citations after witnessing the violations:
- Brathaus in Bowling Green received a citation for improper conduct – disorderly conduct. After receiving a tip from the Bowling Green Police Department, agents visited the location and observed patrons walking throughout the crowd. Numerous patrons were standing in large groups throughout the premises consuming alcoholic beverages. Bar staff did not attempt to enforce social distancing orders.
- City Tap/The Attic in Bowling Green received a citation for after hours consumption. Agents observed several patrons in the bar with one consuming draft beer from a clear glass after 11 p.m.
- Redneck Willy’s in Weston received a citation for after hours consumption. Agents observed several patrons in the bar consuming alcohol after 11 p.m.
These cases will go before the Ohio Liquor Control Commission for potential penalties, including fines and/or the suspension or revocation of liquor permits.
“When egregious violations are observed, enforcement action is taken,” said OIU Enforcement Commander Eric Wolf. “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.”
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.
