Public Safety Committee objects to Highland Tavern liquor-permit renewal, requests hearing

The Public Safety Committee approved a motion to file an objection and request a hearing with the Ohio Division of Liquor Control over whether Highland Tavern (808 West Market Street) should be permitted to renew its liquor license for 2027.

Jessica Connell, the city’s domestic violence and community prosecutor, presented the resolution and said the city has "sufficient evidence" including police reports, a high volume of calls for service and overcrowding incidents tied to that specific location. "There is sufficient evidence, of things like overcrowding, a number of calls for service, and police reports that we would be presenting before the division of liquor control in objection to this," Connell said.

Committee members asked whether outreach and mediation efforts had been attempted and whether the objection was targeted at the business rather than the Highland Square district generally. Connell and other council members said the city had attempted sit-down meetings without meaningful engagement from the location, and that the evidence cited predates other enforcement efforts. One council member noted some incidents were raised "well before the request of the Highland Square shutdown," and that outreach had not produced change.

Council Representative Wilson asked about timing; Connell said objections for Summit County must be filed by Oct. 1 and that hearings can be set after that date, and that the city could withdraw the objection if circumstances changed before the hearing.

The committee voted to suspend the rules with a favorable report so the objection can appear before full council that evening. Next steps: the city will submit the objection to the Division of Liquor Control and prepare the case file of police reports and other evidence for a hearing.