By ELLEN KOLMAN - Staff Writer - ekolman@starbeacon.com
Undercover agents from the Ohio Investigative Unit issued liquor-permit citations against 11 Geauga County bars for gambling violations.
“The investigation began based on a complaint, and the Ohio Investigative Unit (OIU) followed up with a several-months-long investigation,” said Julie Hinds, OIU public information officer.
The bars, in Bainbridge Township, Chardon, Montville, Newbury, Hambden Township, Auburn Township and Middlefield, were cited on Wednesday for operating a gambling house; gambling- acquire, possess, control or operate a gambling device; gambling-game of chance for profit or scheme of chance; and gambling-electronic video gambling device, according to an OIU press release.
Agents also seized 36 electronic machines, $17,053 and 211 gift cards.
“We take liquor violations seriously,” said OIU Executive Director Glenn Taylor in the release. “Illegal gaming devices may also lead to ramifications in the community, such as increased crime and unfair business practices.”
The case will be turned over to the Ohio Liquor Control Commission. Possible penalties include fines, suspension and/ or revocation of the establishment’s liquor permit, according to the press release.
OIU is a division of the Ohio Department of Public Safety. Agents are peace officers who enforce the state’s liquor and tobacco laws, as well as combat food-stamp fraud, according to www.oiu.ohio.gov.
The establishments cited include:
n Sports Page, Bainbridge Township, Chagrin Falls;
n Little Eagle Drive Thru, Chardon;
n Outpost Tavern, Montville;
n Plank Road Tavern, Montville;
n Yops Time Out Grille, Chardon;
n Ramble Inn, Newbury;
n Hambden Country Inn, Hambden Township, Chardon;
n Uncs Patio, Auburn Township, Chagrin Falls;
n Middlefield Tavern, Middlefield;
n Chardon Beverage, Chardon; and
n Cleats, Chardon.
