Council Votes “No” to Renewal of Liquor Licenses
Council Speaks Up Against the Renewal of Seven Local Business Establishments’ Liquor Licenses
[COLUMBUS, OH] Amidst growing public safety and community concerns over seven high-crime, local bars and liquor stores, Columbus City Council voted “no” to the renewal their liquor licenses during the Monday, December 3, regular meeting.
“Residents have been loud and clear that these businesses are a problem and evidence backs it up from the Columbus Division of Police (CPD) and the Columbus City Attorney’s office,” said Councilmember Mitchell Brown. “These businesses operated in a manner that demonstrates disregard for their neighbors and the law.”
Council voted “no” to the renewal of liquor licenses for Beechwood Market, 3796 E. Livingston Avenue; Beverage Warehouse, 847 E. 11th Avenue; Brother’s Drive Thru, 1535 E. Livingston Avenue; Kookie’s Place, 1662 W. Mound Street; Livingston Market, 1619 E. Livingston Avenue, Oakland Park Bar & Grill, 1427 Oakland Park Avenue and Sandpebble Lounge, 1913 Lockbourne Road.
As reported to Council, each location seemed to be a haven for crime and police service runs.
The Columbus Division of Police have been dispatched to Kookie’s Place on 35 different occasions since 2017 and has received multiple citations for drug paraphernalia, insanitary conditions and drug use. A total of 9 reports have been filed on issues ranging from felonious assaults, simple assault, robbery breaking and entering and drug offenses. The Eastside establishment, Brother’s Drive-Thru has received 57 calls for service from CPD and 13 police reports have been filed.
“The continued operation of these establishments will negatively affect residents’ quality of life,” Brown continued. “Moreover, it interferes with the public decency, sobriety, peace and good order in their respective neighborhoods.”
After Council’s vote, the City Attorney will take the objections to the State Division of Liquor Control for a hearing. The division superintendent will decide whether the objection is overruled or sustained. The permit holder or legislative authority may appeal the decision to the Ohio Liquor Control Commission.
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