Lakewood is taking a tougher, more active role in scrutinizing the renewal of liquor permits.  The City is objecting to a liquor permit renewal for Bottom’s Up, located at 1572 West 117th Street.  On October 1st of each year, liquor permits issued in Cuyahoga County expire on an annual basis.  The Division of Liquor Control notifies the City of Lakewood that it is permitted, through its legislative body, to file an objection to the renewal of a liquor license pursuant to ORC 4304.271. 

The City’s decision to object to the renewal was based on many factors.  The Lakewood Police Department is often called to this establishment for noise complaints that disturb the residential neighbors and neighborhood, and the police also respond to complaints of fighting on the premises.  In the past 13 months, the Lakewood Police Department has responded to at least 38 calls for service to this location.  Numerous individuals have been arrested on the premises for possession of marijuana, possession of hypodermic needles, open container, disorderly conduct intoxicated, noise violation, underage disorderly conduct intoxicated and other criminal offense.  Recently the manager was convicted of a drug related crime and another employee was cited in June of 2008 for possession of drugs. 

In addition, the business knowingly operated its establishment while the front door was broken and inoperable necessitating the Lakewood Fire Department to respond to open the door. 

On August 25, 2008 at a Special Council Meeting, Lakewood City Council passed a resolution officially objecting to the renewal of the liquor license permit.  This resolution will be presented to the Division of Liquor Control by their September 1st deadline.  The Liquor Division will then conduct a hearing to determine whether the renewal shall be denied. 

“In the past, the City has rarely objected to a liquor license renewal,” stated Mayor Ed FitzGerald.  “It is the policy of my Administration that annually the City will take a more active role in scrutinizing the renewal of permits.  And if a business has an unfavorable enforcement record and operates in disregard for local ordinances, we will take the necessary action to object to their license renewal.”