End of the Empire?

Local media outlets have reported that the Norwood Police and the Ohio Investigation Unit raided the Empire Tavern on Worth Avenue Friday night, ending their 5-month joint investigation. This Kentucky Post article (includes a picture of the place) says the police executed a search warrant and arrested two people, one a female employee, on multiple drug charges. They also issued citations against the bar that included no food service, unsanitary conditions, improper conduct-disorderly activity, improper conduct-drug sales, and improper conduct-drug possession. According to officials, the Ohio Liquor commission could either fine the Empire Tavern or revoke their liquor permit as a result of the raid.

It’s a given the City would prefer the second option above. At their 4/22/08 meeting, city council passed the following resolution objecting to the renewal of the Empire’s liquor permit:

RESOLUTION OF OBJECTION TO THE RENEWAL OF LIQUOR PERMIT #2714575, 50FIVE GROUP, INC., DOING BUSINESS AS “EMPIRE TAVERN”, WORTH AVENUE, NORWOOD, OHIO 45212, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY

Prior to the vote, a number of people spoke to council in support of the tavern, including, several employees. They talked about the owner’s efforts to improve security in order to reduce the extraordinarily high number of calls to police for fights, intoxication, etc. We remember at least one speaker suggested the place was being unfairly targeted by local authorities. Little did the supporters know that night that the Empire was the subject of a joint investigation already well underway. Council was not persuaded by their arguments, and the resolution passed.

In view of Friday night’s raid, arrests, and citations, is there any way the Empire Tavern won’t lose its liquor license?

(Thanks to Jeanette for sending this news item.)