Council to Offer Liquor Permit Renewal Objections to the State of Ohio
Renewal objections to 16 establishments headed to Ohio Liquor Control Board through Council vote
[COLUMBUS, OH] As Council works to improve Columbus neighborhoods, it's critical to confront establishments across the City that hinder the betterment of the community. One of Council’s tools is objecting to liquor license renewals for businesses with a record of complaints and violations.
Each year, municipalities across Ohio have the opportunity to submit objections to applications for liquor permit renewals to the State of Ohio Liquor Control Board. This objection process is a community-driven partnership between the Columbus City Attorney, Columbus Division of Police, and Columbus City Council to identify establishments that have violated Ohio liquor law or have proven to be a community nuisance.
“Preventing the sale of alcohol at these establishments can have significant positive impact on the safety and quality of life in our Columbus neighborhoods,” said Councilmember Mitchell J. Brown. “I do not take this process lightly and understand the consequences of these objections, but I will always advocate on behalf of Columbus residents to promote safe, clean communities.”
Objections to liquor permit renewals are based on evidence of under-age alcohol sales, failing to follow the terms of the liquor permit, violent crime, police calls for service, and drug activity.
"Monday's vote is a culmination of a year-long process to identify problem businesses and collect evidence about these unsafe establishments," said Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein. "The City Attorney's Office looks forward to presenting evidence in support of Council’s objections to the Division of Liquor Control so we can hold these nuisance businesses accountable for continuing to break the law. With the help of our community members, law enforcement, code officers, health officials and many more local partners, we are working to make Columbus neighborhoods safer for everyone who lives and works here.”
“The partnership between PACT and the assigned Zone attorneys is a collaborative investigative effort which responds directly to citizen complaints against these businesses,” said Deputy Chief Jennifer Knight, who oversees the Police and Community Together (PACT) Unit. “These locations, left unchecked, can become epicenters of crime and have a negative impact on those living near the location and the entire community. With the continued support of the community we can ensure problem businesses are held accountable and support the safety and well-being of the communities in which they reside.”
Through this year’s process, community members, the Columbus City Attorney, Columbus Division of Police, and State Investigative Unit have identified 16 local establishments of concern to the overall health of our neighborhoods.
During the Council meeting on Monday, November 23, 2020, Council will move forward with a vote on the following resolutions to formally object to the renewal of liquor licenses for these establishments:
0171X-2020: C One Market, 6044 Channingway Boulevard
- Since September of 2020, C-One Market is no longer operating as a result of a nuisance abatement lawsuit. This establishment has seen significant illegal drug activity, violence, and a high number of police calls for service. The investigation was initiated by community member and investigated by CPD.
- Calls for Service over 2019/2020: 149
0173X-2020: Courtright Market, 2213 Courtright Road
- The Columbus Division of Police has made multiple arrests for narcotics in this location, in addition, to investigations into multiple incidents of gunfire. Community complaints have raised concerns around intoxicated individuals needing medical assistance or suffering from overdoses on the property.
- Calls for Service over 2019/2020: 53
0174X-2020: Food Mart (Convenient Plus Food Mart), 3351 E. Main Street
- Police have been called to multiple reports of gunfire at Food Mart/Convenient Plus Food Mart. Suspected gang activity at this location has led to an increased number of calls for service, including calls for medical treatment for persons suffering an overdose.
- Calls for Service over 2019/2020: 91
0175X-2020: Moments Grill and Lounge, 2545 Petzinger Road
- Police have been called to multiple incidents of gunfire and violence, including three shootings in three weeks during the summer. In addition, police investigations have found evidence in regards to liquor violations.
- Calls for Service over 2019/2020: 112
0176X-2020: Sunoco, 1536 W. Broad Street
- With the highest number of calls for service this year, police investigation have led to arrests for narcotics activity resulting in multiple calls for persons suffering an overdose. Community members initiated this complaint with the Division of Police and City Attorney’s office.
- Calls for Service over 2019/2020: 321
0177X-2020: Sunoco, 2281 Sullivant Avenue
- Police investigations have led to arrests for narcotics related offenses at this location. In October, police were called to a shooting incident, which has been deemed a homicide. Community members and Division patrol personnel have expressed support for this action.
- Calls for Service over 2019/2020: 132
0178X-2020: M&M, 1596 Oakland Park Avenue
- Police have been called to multiple complaints of gunfire and narcotics activity at this location. In addition, paramedics have assisted multiple individuals with medical treatment for an overdose.
- Calls for Service over 2019/2020: 20
0180X-2020: Gulf Station, 2676 Cleveland Avenue
- Community complaints have led to multiple arrests for narcotics and solicitation related offenses. In addition, paramedics have assisted multiple individuals with medical treatment for an overdose.
- Calls for Service over 2019/2020: 227
0181X-2020: Mobile Mart, 2727 Cleveland Avenue
- Community complaints have led to arrests for assault, narcotics, and solicitation. In addition, investigations have uncovered liquor permit violations. In September, this was the location of a homicide and an overdose death.
- Calls for Service over 2019/2020: 154
0182X-2020: Wheatland Foods, 1432 Mt. Vernon Avenue
- Community complaints have led to multiple narcotics related arrests, in addition to reports of robberies on the premises. The Columbus Division of Fire has responded to multiple instances of persons suffering from an overdose.
- Calls for Service over 2019/2020: 32
0183X-2020: Mobile Mart, 830 Parsons Avenue
- Community concerns have led to multiple arrests for narcotics related offenses. In addition, the Division of Fire has been called to provide medical treatment for individuals suffering from an overdose. A homicide occurred at this location earlier in 2020.
- Calls for Service over 2019/2020: 46
0184X-2020: Convenient Plus, 1541 Frebis Avenue
- The City of Columbus previously objected to the renewal of Convenient Plus’s liquor permit in 2019 due to arrests for narcotics related offenses and violations of their liquor permit. A hearing has been held to uphold this object. While the City waits judgement, we are filing to reaffirm our objection.
- Calls for Service over 2019/2020: 35
0185X-2020: Livingston Market, 1619 E. Livingston Avenue
- The City of Columbus has a pending objection from 2019, based on evidence of incidents of violence and narcotics activity on the premises, awaiting a December hearing in front of the Division of Liquor Control. While the City awaits a ruling, this is a reaffirmation of the objection initiated a year ago.
- Calls for Service over 2019/2020: 63
0186X-2020: McGuffey Market, 1066 E. Hudson Street
- Community complaints have led to arrests for assault, narcotics, and solicitation. In addition, investigations have uncovered liquor permit violations. Community members initiated this complaint with the Division of Police and City Attorney.
- Calls for Service over 2019/2020: 122
0187X-2020: Marathon, 744 E. Hudson Street
- Community complaints have led to arrests for assault, narcotics, and weapons offenses. In addition, investigations have uncovered liquor permit violations.
- Calls for Service over 2019/2020: 180
0188X-2020: P.J’s Grill, 15 East Frambes Avenue
- Investigations by the Ohio Investigative Unit and the Columbus City Attorney has uncovered 51 reports of underage sales and other Ohio liquor law violations.
- Calls for Service over 2019/2020: 9
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