Several bars in Northeast Ohio were cited by the Ohio Investigative Unit on St. Patrick's Day for violating state health orders intended to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
According to authorities, three bars in Cleveland and one in Akron were cited.
The Public House, located in Cleveland, was cited for improper conduct-disorderly activity.
Agents and Cleveland police officers "observed a large number of patrons closely congregated throughout the establishment. Patrons were standing while consuming alcoholic beverages with little to no social distancing measures or physical barriers in place," the OIU said.
PJ McIntyre's Irish Pub in Cleveland was cited for improper conduct-disorderly activity.
According to the OIU," agents and Cleveland Division of Police officers and observed patrons closely congregating and standing throughout the establishment while consuming alcoholic beverages. Little to no social distancing measures or physical barriers were in place."
Smedley's Bar in Cleveland was also cited for improper conduct-disorderly activity.
Authorities said agents and police "observed patrons standing while consuming alcohol and closely congregated, with little room to move. Agents and officers saw little to no social distancing measures or physical barriers in place."
The OIU also cited Rays Pub in Akron for improper conduct-disorderly activity and hindering.
According to authorities, "agents observed approximately 150 patrons throughout the establishment. Most of the crowd congregated on the patio. Patrons occupied consecutive seats at the bar, as more stood behind to order. Little to no social distancing measures or physical barriers were in place. Patrons were permitted to stand and consume alcoholic beverages."
Rays Pub was cited twice last year for violating after-hours sale Rule 80, authorities said.
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