Clifton Heights issues citation and closes Rams Bar after health and safety violations

Clifton Heights code enforcement reported that inspectors found an accumulation of trash, liquor containers and safety issues at the Rams Bar, issued a $600 citation and closed the establishment pending correction of fire and safety violations.

Community development and code enforcement officer (Speaker 1) told council, “I did issue a $600 citation today for that offense,” and said inspectors found significant fire and safety violations that prompted immediate closure. Speaker 1 said the business can reopen if it corrects the issues quickly, but “if they drag their feet and don't, then they'll be closed for a little while.”

Council questioned whether the borough should notify state liquor authorities. Solicitor (Speaker 7) and Speaker 3 said they are collecting police incident reports and code‑enforcement findings to prepare a violations report for the supervisory agent at the liquor control authority. Speaker 3 added that the bar had previously received warnings under a loudspeaker ordinance and described those warnings as part of the file.

Why it matters: the borough is using both local code enforcement and potential referral to state liquor authorities to address recurring public‑nuisance concerns at a neighborhood establishment; council discussed progressive discipline including municipal civil enforcement as used in prior cases.

Legal and procedural context: Solicitor (Speaker 7) suggested contacting the bar’s attorney (identified in discussion as Mr. McCreesh) and indicated the borough has used municipal enforcement — including civil filings seeking shutdown — in past cases. Speaker 3 said the bar currently has a conditional license and noted the next licensing period is in November 2026.

Next steps: Borough staff will compile police and code reports and, if appropriate, submit them to the liquor authority supervisory agent and pursue municipal enforcement actions if violations persist.