News Summary
Cleveland has designated Play Bar and Grill a public nuisance following a mass shooting that injured six people outside the venue. The city’s actions come after previous incidents, leading to the termination of the bar’s lease and its subsequent boarding up. Legal representatives for the bar plan to appeal the decision, asserting that they should not be held accountable for the violence. The owner highlighted concerns about racial bias, while officials emphasized public safety. The situation remains fluid as investigations continue.
Cleveland has declared Play Bar and Grill a nuisance, following a mass shooting that occurred outside the establishment on Sunday evening, injuring six people. The city’s notice, directed to the bar’s owner, conveyed that the venue posed an “imminent danger” to public safety, leading the building’s owner, Flats East Development, LLC, to terminate the bar’s lease. This decision to shut down the establishment was made shortly after the shooting incident.
On the night of the shooting, Cleveland Police reported that one individual was arrested in connection with the episode, which involved multiple firearms. The incident was said to have stemmed from overcrowding after a Cleveland Browns game, sparking fights and gunfire outside the bar. The victims of the shooting ranged in age from 16 to 45, and authorities anticipate further arrests as the investigation continues.
The city cited three prior incidents over the summer as reasons for the drastic action against Play Bar and Grill. Following the most recent shooting, the bar was boarded up to prevent any continued risk to public safety. Flats East Development, LLC, represented by President George Kimson, confirmed the repossession of the property.
Legal representatives for Play Bar and Grill have indicated plans to appeal the city’s notice on the grounds that the bar should not be held responsible for the shooting events and that the allegations against them are unfounded. The ownership team of the bar has expressed that the city’s actions have unjustly harmed their business.
Owner David Hill defended the establishment by suggesting that the bar was unfairly targeted and that the shooters were not patrons of the venue. He also raised concerns about racial bias, citing that Play Bar and Grill is the only Black-owned establishment in its vicinity. However, the city has firmly rejected any accusations of racism, underscoring that community safety is their primary concern.
Cleveland’s law director clarified that emergency closure orders like the one issued for Play Bar and Grill do not necessitate court approval, reinforcing the officials’ viewpoint that immediate measures were necessary to ensure public welfare. The city’s decision comes in response to long-standing issues surrounding gun violence and safety at the location.
In light of these events, bartender Emily Ramirez expressed hope that the bar would eventually reopen, asserting that no violent incidents had taken place within the establishment itself. The situation remains fluid as authorities continue to investigate the shooting and its ramifications for the neighborhood and the bar’s future.
This recent shooting incident highlights ongoing concerns about public safety in urban environments, prompting city officials to take immediate action against venues perceived as contributing to violence. The developments surrounding Play Bar and Grill are expected to continue to unfold as the community seeks resolution and clarity on safety measures in the area.
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Additional Resources
- WKYC: Play Bar and Grill Lease Termination
- Cleveland 19: City Declares Shutdown of Flats Bar a Nuisance
- Crain’s Cleveland: Play Bar and Grill Lease Terminated
- News 5 Cleveland: City Responds on Closure Reasons
- Wikipedia: Shooting
- Google Search: Play Bar and Grill shooting Cleveland
Author: STAFF HERE CLEVELAND WRITER
CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HERECleveland.com, your premier source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with in-depth coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—backed by years of expert reporting and robust community input, including local press releases and business updates, while providing top reporting on high-profile events like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions, Cleveland International Film Festival, and holiday parades, alongside key organizations such as the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Orchestra, and Great Lakes Science Center, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare like Sherwin-Williams and University Hospitals, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREDayton.com, offering comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's vibrant landscape. HERE Cleveland HERE Dayton
