Mount Healthy Council Objects to Liquor-License Transfer for Hamilton Avenue Bar After Overcrowding, Shooting Concerns

Mount Healthy—The City Council on April 15 unanimously adopted Resolution 25-1226 formally objecting to the transfer of an Ohio liquor-license related to the business at 88021 Hamilton Avenue, citing repeated capacity violations, disorderly conduct and a recent early‑morning shooting on the premises.

Council members said the objection is intended to be forwarded to state regulators as part of the transfer review. The resolution was passed in a single meeting after the council voted to suspend the second‑reading rule and then adopted the measure by a 7–0 roll call.

Why it matters: Council members and public-safety officials told the council they have documented recurring problems at the address—ranging from crowding and parking congestion to fights and at least one shooting—despite prior promises by the business to correct conditions. Those concerns are now part of the city’s formal objection to the license transfer.

Public comment at the meeting included statements from two owners/partners who said they were taking steps to reduce risks, including hiring additional security, using valet parking and shuttles, and purchasing tally clickers to monitor occupancy. Dion Dunham, who said he represents Decor, told council, “we offered to pay a police detail over the going rate for 2 officers just to be proactive in that area,” and asked for help to ensure the business can operate safely.

Council and public-safety officials described multiple prior incidents and enforcement visits. Police representatives said officers counted what they described as more than 100 people inside the business during a recent visit, and reported difficulties securing complete video and cooperation from on-site security when investigating a shooting that occurred about 03:30 that weekend. The council referenced earlier agreements they said were not fully implemented by the business.

Procedural steps and vote: Council moved to suspend the second-reading requirement and then adopted Resolution 25-1226 in a roll-call vote (Mrs. Lingo: Aye; Mr. Parsons: Aye; Mr. Redding: Aye; Mrs. Dosa: Aye; Mr. George: Aye; Mr. Young: Aye; Mrs. Rissell: Aye), recorded as 7–0 in favor. The council directed staff and the police chief to forward the documentation to the state review body as part of the objection packet.

Next steps: City staff indicated they will submit the packet to state regulators and pursue any follow-up investigatory steps, including subpoenas for video if necessary. The council did not rescind any local permits at the meeting; the action is a formal objection submitted to the state license-transfer process.