Bridge Bar & Grill in Willard Busted by Ohio Secret Police

Willard, Ohio-

Official Liquor Commission Hearings Report

3096 SR 99 SOUTH WILLARD, OH 44890

Violation: No. 1: On or about Saturday, October 17, 2020, you, your agent(s), and/or employee(s) assaulted, incited others to assault, hindered and/or obstructed an agent or employee of the Division of Liquor Control, an enforcement agent of the Department of Public Safety and/or an officer of the law from making an inspection and/or search of your permit premises while in the lawful performance of his duty in violation of Ohio Revised Code Section 4301.66 (“hindering inspection/search”).

Violation: No. 2: On or about Saturday, October 17, 2020, you, your agent(s), and/or employee(s) knowingly and/or willfully allowed and/or engaged in improper conduct, to wit: recklessly caused inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm to another by creating a condition that presents a risk of illness, by an act or acts that served no lawful and reasonable purpose of the permit holder in and upon the permit premises in violation of Ohio Admin. Code 4301:1-1-52 (B)(1) (“allowing persons to engage in disorderly activities”). 8

Violation: No. 3: On or about Saturday, October 17, 2020, you, your agent(s), and/or employee(s), sold beer and/or intoxicating liquor for on premises consumption between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. in violation of Rule 4301:1-1-80(A)(1) of the Ohio Administrative Code (“limitation of hours for on-premises sales and consumption”).

Outcome: At the hearing, the permit holder entered an admission as to violations 1 and 2. Violation 3 was dismissed upon motion of the Ohio Attorney General. Based on the evidence presented, the Commission found the permit holder in violation. The Commission issued a 25-day suspension beginning at noon, April 19, 2021, but gave the permit holder the option to pay a financial forfeiture in the amount of $5,000 in lieu of serving the suspension.

What is the Ohio Secret Police?

The Ohio Investigative Unit is made up of fully-sworn, plainclothes peace officers. Because of their secretive operations, the offender never really knows who they are until it's far too late. By the time the OIU reveals their identity, it's when they are sharing their findings in court.

These days, the OIU is getting more publicity because they are additionally tasked with investigating claims of businesses breaking the ever-changing laws regarding social distancing, bar regulations, liquor delivery, and blatant violations of Ohio Department of Health (ODH) orders.

The OIU is divided into six districts. For citizens, it is encouraged that complaints be issued to the Central District in Columbus. From there, they will assign the complaint to the correct field office. You can call (614) 644-2415 or email ADOIUCent@dps.ohio.gov