Owner: Cabaret will sell liquor

By Marc Kovac

The owner has a federal suit pending, alleging unfair treatment of his business.

COLUMBUS — The owner of the Go Go Cabaret said his club will be serving liquor into the foreseeable future, despite a state panel’s decision to revoke the Austintown business’s liquor license.

The Ohio Liquor Commission issued notice to Sebastian Rucci late last week that the revocation would take effect Dec. 18 at noon, barring an appeal and court- issued stay.

But Rucci said Thursday that a federal stay issued earlier this year effectively stopped the state from revoking his license, and future legal proceedings will enable his business to continue serving customers for years to come.

“It will be many years before that’s finally resolved,” Rucci said, adding, “We’re comfortable we’re correct. ... We will be selling liquor for quite a while.”

Earlier this year, the Go Go Cabaret was cited for nine violations, mostly related to illegal-drug activities after a raid of the business by law enforcement earlier.

Last month, the Liquor Control Commission had hearings over two days on the violations, reviewing evidence from the detective involved in the investigation, as well as Rucci and club employees.

The case is separate from an appeal the liquor-control commission will hear in February of an earlier decision not to renew the Go Go Cabaret’s liquor license

Rucci also has filed a federal lawsuit, alleging harassment and unfair treatment of his business.

The liquor control commission’s latest decision to revoke the Go Go’s liquor license was mailed out Friday and received by the business earlier this week.

According to documents, the Go Go Cabaret has about three weeks to appeal the decision through a common pleas court.

But Rucci said the stay issued earlier this year by a federal court prevents the state from revoking his liquor license, and he’s confident his business will continue to serve alcohol.

“We’re still open,” Rucci said. “We’ll continue to be open. ... We think we can reverse this totally in the court of appeals.”

A trial in the case has been set for August, he said.

mkovac@dixcom.com