A Grand Rapids business has been cited for violating health orders put in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Wild Side Brewing Company LLC., known as Wild Side Brewing Company, Grand Rapids, received a citation for after hours consumption. Agents reportedly observed a patron consuming beer after midnight. They also reported seeing a cold glass of beer on the bar.
Nicholas Scott, the brewery owner, said he will be fighting the citation. According to Scott, two people knocked on the business’ locked doors around 11:45 p.m., when the site was closed with lights mostly off and chairs up on the tables and bar. The owner said he was there with two bartenders as they were sweeping, moping and counting the drawer.
Scott said that when he opened the door and told them the brewery was closed, they flashed badges and came in. He said the beer found was his own half empty beer that he was drinking while they cleaned and did closing duties. No patrons were in the bar anytime after 10:30 p.m., Scott said.
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.
“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. “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.”
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.
This case will go before the Ohio Liquor Control Commission for potential penalties, including fines and/or the suspension or revocation of liquor permits.
