News Summary
A shooting in The Flats area of Cleveland resulted in six injuries, prompting the city to board up the Play Bar and Grill. City officials cited safety concerns and a history of incidents linked to the bar. The co-owner disputes the claims, stating the shooters were not patrons, as the bar’s landlord terminated their lease due to lease violations. The response aims to protect community safety in an area known for prior violence.
Cleveland – A shooting occurred early Sunday morning in The Flats area near W. 10th Street, resulting in six individuals being hospitalized. In response, the City of Cleveland has moved to board up the Play Bar and Grill, invoking emergency measures to address ongoing safety concerns. The city’s Law Director announced that the closure was part of an assertive action to ensure public safety and that the bar under these orders has the right to appeal the decision.
According to city officials, the closure of Play Bar and Grill was enacted under a nuisance abatement ordinance, which permits swift action in cases involving risk to community safety. Following the shooting, a letter outlining the order was sent to David Hill, the co-owner of the establishment. The letter provided him with a 14-day window to comply with the city’s requests, including the submission of a written safety plan to prevent future incidents. The letter also outlined that failure to comply could result in enforcement actions, including liens against the property.
Mark Griffin, Cleveland’s Law Director, emphasized the decision arises from a “recent mass shooting” in the vicinity of the bar, which necessitated prompt intervention. Support for the city’s decision was bolstered by concerns stemming from a history of safety issues linked to the venue. A representative from the city confirmed that there have been previous interventions regarding safety at Play Bar and Grill, further justifying the immediate closure.
Despite the city’s actions, David Hill refuted claims that patrons from his bar were linked to the shooting. He argued that the shooters were not customers and expressed frustration over the city’s aggressive measures, labeling them as unprecedented and harmful to his business. Hill stated that the allegations against the bar do not align with the reality of the situation.
The property’s landlord, Flats East Development LLC, has also terminated the bar’s lease following earlier warnings regarding gun-related activities at the venue. The president of the development company indicated that incidents involving firearms were clear violations of the lease terms, leading to their decision to end the agreement.
A police investigation into the shooting revealed the involvement of multiple firearms, with at least one of the suspects being among the injured. This incident reportedly stemmed from overcrowding issues at the bar, which may have contributed to the chaos that ensued. Police records indicate that the East Bank of the Flats area, where Play Bar and Grill is located, has seen over 300 reported crimes in the past year, including a significant number of felonious assaults.
Emily Ramirez, a bartender at Play Bar and Grill, alongside co-owner Hill, denied the occurrence of violent incidents within the premises, implying that the city’s perception of the bar may be racially motivated. Play Bar and Grill is noted as the only Black-owned bar in the area, which they believe factors into the city’s decision to act against them. However, city officials firmly dismissed any claims of racial bias, reinforcing that the closures were taken solely to ensure the safety of the community.
The history of the property itself is blemished, with past incidents including a former shooting when it operated under the name Anejo Tequila Joint. This area has a reputation for violence, emphasizing the city’s need for action to address safety matters continuously. Additionally, the bar’s liquor permit holder has a documented history of violations dating as far back as 2019.
In light of recent events, Cleveland officials reiterated the importance of swift and decisive action to protect the well-being of the surrounding community. The ongoing situation remains critical as city officials and Play Bar and Grill navigate the implications of this emergency closure.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 8 News
- News 5 Cleveland
- WKYC News
- Wikipedia: Nuisance
- Cleveland 19 News
- Google Search: Cleveland shooting Flats area
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
