Virus violations cost first Ohio bar its license
AKRON — An Akron bar is the first in Ohio to lose its liquor license for violating the state’s COVID-19 orders.
Highland Tavern’s liquor license is being revoked after the bar was cited several times for selling alcohol after 10 p.m. and breaking other state health orders.
At the close of business on Oct. 2, the bar will be unable to sell beer or alcohol, according to documents obtained by the Akron Beacon Journal
A spokesperson for the Ohio Liquor Control Commission confirmed that Highland Tavern is the first bar in the state to lose its license because of COVID-19 violations. The stiffest penalty previously handed down was a 45-day suspension.
The bar was cited on four occasions with violating state health orders, including selling alcohol after 10 p.m. and a lack of social distancing by patrons.
Highland Tavern went before the Ohio Liquor Control Commission over three of its four citations last week. Records show that Highland Tavern was found in violation in each of its three citation hearings.
The bar has 21 days to appeal the decision to Franklin County Common Pleas Court.
Mark Gutentag, Highland Tavern’s attorney, said last week that the state health orders punish bars and restaurants that have liquor licenses more than other businesses.
“What other industries or businesses in Ohio are having their hours regulated?” Gutentag said. “What other businesses are being policed at this level?”
Ward 1 Akron City Councilman Rich Swirsky said the state has been “more than patient” with the Highland Tavern.
“It’s an embarrassment that a local business, which has enjoyed the support of the area’s citizens, would thumb their noise at regulations designed to protect the citizens,” Swirsky said.
Swirsky said he has fielded a lot of complaints about Highland Tavern.
COVID-19 is a deadly public-health threat, he said, and everyone, including businesses, needs to do their part to protect each other.
Ohio Department of Public Safety, 1952 W. Broad St., 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Ohiohealth Grant Medical Center, 303 E. Town St., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Ohiohealth Riverside Methodist Hospital, 3555 Olentangy River Road, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.