CLEVELAND, Ohio — Ohio Investigative Unit agents once again cited The Velvet Dog bar in Cleveland for violating state health orders put in place to help curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Agents went to The Velvet Dog at 1280 W 6th St., in Cleveland’s Warehouse District just before 10 p.m. Thursday with Cleveland police, Cleveland fire and workers from Cleveland Department of Public Health. They saw many people not wearing masks and congregating closely throughout the nightclub, according to a news release from OIU.
The Velvet Dog was previously cited on Dec. 12 for improper conduct and disorderly activity.
Agents also recently cited the 1899 Pub in Willoughby, Underground CLE in Cleveland, Shakers Bar in Columbus and Papa’s Tavern in Toledo, according to a news release from OIU.
OIU agents, Cleveland police, fire and health department officials went to Underground CLE at 2435 Sinclair Ave., Cleveland, just after 11:40 p.m. Thursday after receiving numerous complaints from citizens and liquor permit holders about illegal alcohol sales and public-health violations, according to the release. Underground CLE does not have a license to sell alcohol, the release said.
Officers and saw more than 200 people packed tightly inside of the warehouse with no social distancing measures in place, the release says. The agents also spotted a full-service bar and seized more than 750 bottles and cans of alcoholic beverages. The release says charges are pending a prosecutor review.
The establishment also was cited for illegal sales of alcohol. Charges are pending.
Agents walked into the 1899 Pub 38228 Glenn Ave, Willoughby about 9:30 p.m. Thursday and saw a large number of people tightly packed in the small establishment with no social distancing or physical barriers in place, the release says.
Agents could not move through the establishment without having direct contact with someone. The majority of the people were not were not wearing masks and they also were allowed to stand and walk around while drinking, alcohol, the release says.
The above cases will go before the Ohio Liquor Control Commission for potential penalties, including fines and/or the suspension or revocation of liquor permits.
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