TOLEDO, Ohio — On the first night that the state of Ohio's strike force went out to observe and enforce Gov. Mike DeWine's requirements for reopened bars and restaurants, it observed 628 establishments, Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz said during a Tuesday morning news conference.
Strike force members only issued 11 citations, statewide, according to Kapszukiewicz. Only one business closed - and that business was in Toledo, the mayor said.
According to Kapszuiewicz, three out of the 11 citations were in Toledo. The business that closed its doors after receiving a violation notice was Jake's Saloon and Sports Pub on Dorr Street.
Kapszukiewicz initially said that the strike force shut down the business, but the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department later clarified that the pub voluntarily closed its doors after being given the violation notice by the Ohio Department of Public Safety Ohio Investigative Unit.
"Statewide, I think those numbers are encouraging. But it's worth noting that in Toledo, we had the one noncompliant bar that had to be closed," Kapszukiewicz said.
UPDATE: In a statement sent to WTOL on May 28, Jake's Saloon owner Andy Fillis said the following:
"The main points I would like to convey was our re-opening was thought out and planned. The way things evolved were in no way an act of defiance or throwing caution to the wind, as was implied by several individuals, news outlets and organizations of enforcement and local legislature.
I lost control of the requirements-I, in no way, shape, or form decided to go rogue. After receiving my non-compliance citation, I decided to shut down again until Jake's Saloon can operate as our patrons have gotten to know and expect.
Our preparations included the following-
1) Employees were required to wear face masks and gloves were provided for those that wanted to wear them. I also purchased a digital thermometer to have on hand in case of outward symptoms of sickness needed verification. We also decided to delay food service until we had a grasp on how that would be delivered.
2) Tables were properly spaced at least 6ft apart. We adjusted our maximum capacity to comply with social distancing requirements.
3) All required and additional signage regarding Covid-19 reopening procedures and requirements were posted in conspicuous locations throughout the bar and restrooms.
4) 6 hand sanitizing dispensers were made available for use in all parts of bar. (I purchased an additional 4 gallons but the wall mounted units have not been delivered yet.)
5) A designated employee for cleaning and sanitizing tables and high traffic areas including restrooms continually throughout the evening.
6) Removed from patron access all self service items such as straws and napkins.
7) Pool tables were covered and dartboards and other games were unplugged. Patrons were not able to access our corn hole bags.
8) We purchased Plexiglas bar top dividers from a local manufacturer at a cost of $600 to keep those seated at the bar protected.
As you can see there was a plan put in place. Where I failed was the assumption that we would be able to keep people seated as required in the guidelines for reopening. For the 'agencies' to say we were not trying was totally unfair.
Most importantly-I am very thankful for the love and support our friends and customers of Jake's Saloon showed myself and my staff that night. After a lengthy closure and limited options for the residents of Ohio, people just wanted to feel like themselves again and they came to a place they felt comfortable and safe."
According to the violation notice from the Ohio Department of Public Safety Ohio Investigative Unit, there were three violations for which Jake's Saloon and Sports Pub was cited. On May 21, the pub was found to be in violation of:
- Improper conduct - disorderly activity
- Permitting removal of beer or intoxicating liquor sold for on-premises consumption
- Failure to comply with emergency rule regarding on-premises consumption
A letter from the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Liquor Control to Andrew Fillis, owner of Jake's Saloon and Sports Pub, said "The Division was notified by law enforcement that your premises was open and sold alcohol beverages for on-premise consumption in violation of the Director's May 14, 2020 Order. The Division wants to remind all permit holders that failure to comply with the Order may subject a permit holder to administrative action against their liquor permit, which will include an emergency order of suspension, citation, rejection of a renewal or transfer application, or revocation."
