CLEVELAND — FirstEnergy Stadium was among six establishments cited by the Ohio Investigative Unit for violating the state’s COVID-19 health orders during the Thursday night game against the Bengals last week.
OIU agents received a citizen complaint alleging FirstEnergy Stadium was not operating in compliance with the alcohol curfew, limiting the sale of alcohol to 10 p.m.
The complaint said that the stadium was serving drinks during the game past 10 p.m.
Based on evidence and cooperation from both FirstEnergy Stadium and the Cleveland Browns organization, OIU agents determined that alcohol sales did continue past 10 p.m.
FirstEnergy Stadium was issued an administrative citation for after-hours sale.
In addition to FirstEnergy Stadium, two other Northeast Ohio establishments were cited for violating health orders.
Agents received a complaint from the community and visited Bonkers in Garfield Heights. The bartender was observed serving two shots of liquor to guests after 10:30 p.m. The establishment was issued an administrative citation for after hours sale.
OIU agents, along with Cleveland police, were called to Dreamers in Cleveland after receiving information that the establishment was operating with a large number of guests and serving alcohol after 11 p.m.
Once on scene, agents and officers found around 75 guests closely congregated inside at 11:35 p.m. with no social distancing measures or physical barriers in use. Guests were observed freely moving around the establishment consuming alcoholic beverages, other guests were observed receiving close-contact private dances from adult entertainers.
Bartenders were also observed preparing and serving alcoholic drinks past the curfew. Dreamers was issued a citation for improper conduct – disorderly activity, after-hours sale and after-hours consumption.
FirstEnergy Stadium, as well as the other establishments cited, will have its case heard before the Ohio Liquor Control Commission for potential penalties including fines and/or the suspension or revocation of its liquor permit.
