COLUMBUS, Ohio — Four Northeast Ohio businesses have been cited by the Ohio Investigative Unit for violating state health orders aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19.
According to authorities, Strongsville Café in Strongsville was issued a citation for improper conduct—disorderly activity and after-hours consumption—Rule 80. The OIU said agents found nearly two dozen people drinking alcohol past the state’s alcohol curfew when they arrived at the location around 11:25 p.m.
Additionally, “patrons were closely gathered with no identifiable safety measures in place throughout the premises to promote social distancing,” the OIU said.
Sky Mediterranean in Parma Heights was cited for improper conduct —disorderly activity, after-hours sale—Rule 80 and after-hours consumption—Rule 80.
The OIU said that agents “found the establishment was heavily occupied with widespread alcoholic beverage consumption and continued beverage sales. There were approximately 150 patrons inside, with egregious violations of health orders. Agents observed little to no social distancing or physical barriers in place as patrons stood and walked freely while consuming alcoholic beverages. Due to the large number of patrons inside, agents were unable to move about the premise without direct physical contact.”
Arabica in Parma Heights was cited for improper conduct—disorderly activity. The OIU said that when agents arrived at the location, there were around 125 people inside the establishment and more were trying to enter.
“Few of those patrons were wearing masks and there were no safety measures in place throughout the premise to promote social distancing. Patrons gathered closely on the dance floor and in the seating areas,” the OIU said.
Authorities also said a business in Cleveland, V Lounge, was charged with illegal sales after it was found operating without a liquor permit. The OIU said agents also observed “numerous health order violations.” The case will be handed over to prosecutors at Cleveland Municipal Court.
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