On September
15, 2006, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Liquor Control rejected
the application of a class D-5 liquor permit by Jessco Enterprises Inc. for an
establishment known as the Shawnee Lounge located at 8975 South Main Street in
German Township, Ohio. The rejection was based on the objection of the German
Township Trustees who are represented by the Montgomery County Prosecutor's
Office.
A hearing was held on July 27, 2006 in which the Montgomery County Prosecutor's
Office presented evidence regarding the history of the Shawnee Lounge and its
impact on the local community. Evidence was introduced highlighting some of the
problems suffered by the surrounding community including patrons leaving the
premises in an intoxicated state, fights, public urination, drug dealing, and
loud noise.
In its findings, the Division stated that
"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 issuance of a permit."
The Division noted that the Shawnee Lounge
was denied a liquor permit renewal by previous owners based on the objection of
German Township. Based on the case presented by the Montgomery County
Prosecutor last year and the denial of the renewal, the Shawnee Lounge was
closed in April 2005. The Division noted that testimony from residents indicated
that the neighborhood has not experienced these problems since the April 2005
closure. In the hearing, the applicant indicated that she intended to operate a
similar type of night club business.
Prosecuting
Attorney Mat Heck, Jr. said, “The community will not tolerate the type of
behavior that occurred in the past at the Shawnee Lounge. My office and the
German Township Trustees will protect the community's right to a peaceful
neighborhood.”
