News Summary
Cleveland has officially terminated the lease of Play Bar and Grill, citing public safety concerns following a mass shooting that left multiple individuals hospitalized. The closure is part of a swift response aimed at curbing ongoing violence in the area, with city officials emphasizing the necessity of protecting the community. The bar’s ownership is contesting the allegations, claiming racial bias amid a history of violations linked to the establishment. The city remains committed to ensuring safety in nightlife venues.
Cleveland – The city of Cleveland has officially shut down Play Bar and Grill, declaring it a nuisance and terminating its lease following a mass shooting that left six individuals hospitalized. This decisive action, which occurred hours after the shooting on September 7, 2025, was taken in response to what officials described as an “imminent danger to the life and health” of local residents and visitors.
The lease termination was carried out by Flats East Development, LLC, which cited ongoing “gun-related activity and acts of violence” as the primary reasons for their decision. President George Kimson confirmed that the property has been repossessed. In light of this closure, Cleveland’s public safety officials emphasized their commitment to protecting the community, reinforcing the necessity of swift action in the wake of violence.
The shooting incident involved multiple firearms and occurred outside the bar, leading to chaos as significant overcrowding forced patrons onto the streets. Among the shooting victims ranged in age from 16 to 45 years old. Notably, a 21-year-old man was arrested for his involvement in the incident. The Cleveland Police reported that this event was not isolated, as there were three prior incidents of violence at the bar over the summer leading up to the shooting.
Following the shooting, the city activated a formal process to address the ongoing concerns related to Play Bar and Grill. The ownership of the bar, however, is contesting the allegations made by the city officials, claiming they only received the nuisance letter on September 10, 2025. They intend to appeal the city’s notices alleging a pattern of violence.
Despite the ownership’s frustration and claims of racial bias, the city has categorically denied any motivations rooted in discrimination, asserting that the safety of the public was the only priority in their actions. The bar’s owner, David Hill, expressed anger at the city’s handling of the situation, particularly emphasizing that Play Bar and Grill is the only Black-owned establishment in the vicinity.
Historically, Play Bar and Grill has faced scrutiny for a series of violations regarding its liquor permit, with issues dating back to 2019. Significant breaches have been cataloged since July 2024, culminating in the recent events. Reports indicate that more than 300 crimes, including various violent incidents, have been reported in the East Bank of the Flats area over the last year.
In connection with the recent closure, Emily Ramirez, a bartender at Play Bar, insisted that the establishment and its owners were committed to the community. However, the series of violent occurrences ultimately led the city to act decisively. The public safety of Cleveland’s residents remains the focal point in this situation, and the rapid response to the situation reflects the dire need to maintain a secure environment.
In conclusion, as Cleveland moves forward following this alarming incident, its officials remain resolute in their mission to ensure the safety of all community members, reaffirming that such actions are taken with public welfare as the highest priority. The developments surrounding Play Bar and Grill serve as a poignant reminder of the city’s ongoing battle against violence in nightlife venues.
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Additional Resources
- WKYC: Play Bar and Grill Lease Termination
- Wikipedia: Cleveland
- News 5 Cleveland: Landlord Terminates Lease
- Google Search: Play Bar and Grill Cleveland
- Cleveland.com: Co-Owner’s Statement
- Google Scholar: Cleveland mass shooting
- Fox 8: Bar in the Flats Boarded Up
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cleveland violence
- Crain’s Cleveland: Play Bar and Grill Lease Termination
- Google News: Cleveland Play Bar and Grill
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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
