State slams island bars

PUT-IN-BAY — Four Put-in-Bay bars have been cited by undercover state agents for allegedly serious violations of COVID-19 safety rules. The four, which face early August hearings before the Ohio Liquor Control Board, are accused of violating state rules designed to lessen the spread of COVID-19, said Michelle Thuorot, agent in charge of the Ohio Investigative Unit, the liquor board's law enforcement arm. Thuorot said agents normally issue warnings for relatively minor violations, such as a couple of employees not wearing a mask, so the citations suggest the agents believed they saw serious violations. "If it's something small, we will warn people and take the opportunity to educate people," she said. Under state health orders, bars are expected to maintain social distancing, make sure patrons are seated and require employees to wear masks. The four bars in Put-in-Bay issued citations are Blum Bay LLC, doing business as Adventure Bay, 380 Main Street; Hotel on the Park Inc., doing business as Park Hotel Gift Shop and Walk-In Coolers and Patios, 228 and 234 Delaware Ave.; Put in Bay Resorts, LLC, doing business as Put in Bay Resort, 439 Loraine Ave., and Niese Holdings Limited, doing business as Splash Swimup Pool and Tiki Bar, 225 Erie St. All four are accused of "creating a condition that creates a risk of illness." In addition, Niese is accused of obstructing the investigation. Niese was cited on July 3, while the others were cited June 27, Thuorot said. Possible penalties for violations range from fines to suspension or revocations of liquor licenses, Thuorot said. "Revocation is something that occurs in a very egregious situation," she said. Ottawa County's health department, working with the Ohio National Guard and Magruder Hospital, tested 954 people in Put-in-Bay for COVID-19 on July 10 and July 11. Test results showed 66 people tested positive. The county health department has not cited any businesses in Put-in-Bay for safety violations. The health department also has not shut any businesses down in Ottawa County for COVID-19 violations, said Jerry Bingham, the county's health commissioner. The health department expects to issue its first written warning soon to a business in Ottawa County, and it has been talking to businesses when apparent violations have been seen, he said. Complaints have been referred to the Ohio Investigative Unit, he said. Thuorot said investigations by the Ohio Investigative Unit are complaint driven, but said agents will stop and check a situation out if they spot a possible violation. "We're an undercover law enforcement agency. All of our people are in plainclothes," Thuorot said.