2 Put-In-Bay Bars Cited For Violating Health Orders

PUT-IN-BAY, OH — Two Put-In-Bay bars have been cited for "blatant violations" of the state's COVID-19-related health orders.

Mist Bar and T&J's Smokehouse were both cited over the weekend, the Ohio Investigative Unit announced.

The Mist Bar was given an administrative citation after agents saw customers standing and hanging out with no social distancing measures. Customers were congregating around the bar and the swim-up bar and pool, law enforcement said.

T&J's Smokehouse was cited after agents saw large groups of customers grouped together, not wearing masks. The restaurant's outside patio was "packed with patrons," law enforcement said, and "people were shoulder to shoulder on the dance floor." Security staff wore their masks around their necks, law enforcement said.

“We educate liquor-permit holders about the order and share information about the best practices agents have observed at compliant establishments to help those who are finding it more difficult. However, when egregious violations are observed, enforcement action is taken. We all need to work together by following the precautions put in place to make these establishments safe and compliant with the directives," said OIU Agent-in-Charge Michelle Thourot.

Both bars will go before the Ohio Liquor Control Commission for potential penalties, including fines or the suspension or revocation of liquor permits.

“We continue to work with our law enforcement partners and local health departments following up on complaints to ensure liquor-permitted establishments maintain compliance, so all patrons can enjoy a healthy experience,” Thourot said.