A local bar faces state citations in connection with serving alcohol to underage drinkers after a team of agents from the Ohio Investigative Unit uncovered several violations.

Friday, January 12, 2001

A local bar faces state citations in connection with serving alcohol to underage drinkers after a team of agents from the Ohio Investigative Unit uncovered several violations.

Ohio Department of Public Safety investigators were in town Jan. 6-7 after receiving a complaint alleging "the Play-By-Play Sports Bar was allowing individuals under 21 to consume alcohol," OIU public information officer Julie Ehrhart said.

"We work off of complaints we receive from our hotline," Ms. Ehrhart said. "This particular investigation came as a complaint from a concerned citizen on our hotline."

Once the complaint was received, undercover agents were sent to the establishment for an investigation, she said.

"Agents issued several citations while at the establishment," she said. "The permit holder was cited for several violations and will have a hearing with the Liquor Control Commission in the near future.

"The permit holder will face the possibility of a fine or suspension," Ehrhart added. "Depending on the establishment’s past history, their license could be revoked if they have had numerous citations in the past."

Agents cited the bar Dec. 7 for selling and/or furnishing beer to a person under 21, selling and/or furnishing intoxicating liquor to a person under 21, allowing improper conduct in connection to an agent and/or employee possessing dangerous drugs and for a refilling violation, according to OIU reports.

She was unable to determine if the bar has received prior citations but said the commission will determine what disciplinary action will be taken.

"The hearing has not been scheduled as of now, but it will take place in three to six months for the permit holder," she said. "Serving to the underaged is our main priority. We take that very seriously."

According to OIU reports, others charged during the investigation include:

– Katie M. Horsley, 20-year-old employee, of 148 Township Road 283N, Ironton, was charged with selling and/or furnishing beer to a person under 21.

– Cheryl A. Nance, 34-year-old employee, of 681 Township Road 111, Ironton, was charged with selling and/or furnishing intoxicating liquor to a person under 21.

– Jeremy T. Morrison, 18-year-old employee, of 3454 Ohio 243, Ironton, was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.

– Brandon A. Crawford, 18, of 415 Powell Lane, Flatwoods, Ky., was charged with purchasing intoxicating liquor.

– Cecil R. Salyer, 18, of 2515 Main St., West Wood, Ky., was charged with possessing beer and consuming beer.

Shawn R. Roush, 32, of 244 County Road 7E, Ironton, was arrested on Dec. 7 by the OIU on a charge of menacing and disorderly conduct with persistence.

"He was standing outside the establishment interfering with the arrest process," Ms. Ehrhart said. "He was intoxicated when the incident took place."

State agents cited the Play By Play Jan. 7 for selling and/or furnishing beer to a person under 21, selling and/or furnishing intoxicating liquor to a person under 21, allowing improper conduct in connection to an agent and/or employee possessing dangerous drugs and for a refilling violation, according to OIU reports.

The Liquor Control Commission will determine what disciplinary action will be taken, said Julie Ehrhart, public information officer for Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Ohio Investigative Unit.

"The hearing has not been scheduled as of now, but it will take place in three to six months for the permit holder," she said. "Serving to the underaged is our main priority. We take that very seriously."

According to OIU reports, others charged during the investigation include:

– Katie M. Horsley, 20-year-old employee, of 148 Township Road 283N, Ironton, was charged with selling and/or furnishing beer to a person under 21.

– Cheryl A. Nance, 34-year-old employee, of 681 Township Road 111, Ironton, was charged with selling and/or furnishing intoxicating liquor to a person under 21.

– Jeremy T. Morrison, 18-year-old employee, of 3454 Ohio 243, Ironton, was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.

– Brandon A. Crawford, 18, of 415 Powell Lane, Flatwoods, Ky., was charged with purchasing intoxicating liquor.

– Cecil R. Salyer, 18, of 2515 Main St., West Wood, Ky., was charged with possessing beer and consuming beer.

Shawn R. Roush, 32, of 244 County Road 7E, Ironton, was arrested on Dec. 7 by the OIU on a charge of menacing and disorderly conduct with persistence.