A reputation of troublesome activity and a laundry list of neighborhood complaints may have officially cost the Chips ‘n’ Go convenience store and gas station its liquor license. The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Liquor Control issued an order to the business — located at at 1020 East Broad Street in Olde Towne East — announcing the rejection of its license renewal for 2015-2016. The order includes the following reasons for denying the license:
“The place for which the permit is sought is so located with respect to the neighborhood that substantial interference with public decency, sobriety, peace or good order would result from the renewal of the permit and operation under it by the applicant.”
“The applicant has operated its liquor permit business in a manner that demonstrates a disregard for the laws, regulations, or local ordinances of this state.”
The order notes that Chips ‘n’ Go has “become a hub of bad behavior” in the neighborhood, racking up a total of 71 calls for police service from January 1, 2014 to July 15, 2015. Many of the calls center around activity that includes prostitution, drug dealing and public urination.
Additionally, there have been five instances of Chips ‘n’ Go selling alcohol to minors during that same 18 month timeframe. The business has paid over $9,000 in fines due to those violations, with the two most recent instances still pending sentencing.
“The loss of the liquor license at this carryout has been the number one neighborhood priority for over ten years,” said James Flynn, who lives nearby and has been involved in efforts to address issues caused by the store. “This will reduce crime, litter, loitering, illegal activities and vandalism and will improve safety and quality of life. It also demonstrates the positive fundamental and systemic change in the community that no longer will tolerate these activities.”
The owner of Chips ‘n’ Go has 30 days to appeal the order.
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