Bar owners urged to be responsible

Information submitted

Over the next few weeks, many Ohioans will be visiting their favorite bar to celebrate – whether for St. Patrick’s Day or for the college basketball tournament. Agents with the Ohio Investigative Unit (OIU) want to remind bar owners “It’s your Bar, It’s your Responsibility.”

“This time of year often means big business for many of Ohio’s bars, however we hope bars and their staffs take proactive steps before the reveling begins,” said Agent-in-Charge Eric Wolf. “It is our hope that with proactive steps, the bar scene will be safer.”

Bar owners should remind their staff to not serve already intoxicated patrons and discourage excessive consumption of alcohol. OIU recommends that bar staff contact local law enforcement in the event of an overly intoxicated or combative person. Bars are encouraged to have plans for cab services and food options.

With larger bar crowds it may be easier for people with bad intentions to tamper with drinks. Bar-goers are encouraged to keep an eye on their beverage at all times – and to not consume the beverage if they feel it has been compromised.

If a customer has been coherent in the last 20-30 minutes and is suddenly disoriented, suffering from memory loss, dizziness, drowsiness or nausea, bar staff should keep the person from leaving, contact law enforcement immediately and confiscate the drink if possible.

Bars and convenient stores should also be on the lookout for underage customers attempting to purchase alcohol. Remember, it is against the law to serve, furnish or allow someone under 21 to consume, possess or purchase alcohol.