State liquor panel hears Go Go arguments

Township representatives testified about problems with the business.

COLUMBUS — The Go Go Cabaret had another hearing before the Ohio Liquor Control Commission, this one focusing on an earlier denial of the Austintown Township club’s liquor license.

The Monday session in Columbus was the latest in a series between liquor officials and Go Go Cabaret owner Sebastian Rucci, who has filed lawsuits in state and federal courts in an effort to keep his business open and serving alcohol.

“We have a lot of issues that deal with targeting, signage and other stuff like that, which we’ll present in the court cases as we progress,” Rucci said, adding, “We look for a good day in court.”

In December 2008, the Austintown Township trustees adopted a resolution objecting to the renewal of the cabaret’s liquor license, prompting a local hearing by the Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of Liquor Control. The latter sided with the township, noting that the applicant “has shown a disregard for the laws, regulations or local ordinances of the state,” according to documents.

Rucci appealed that decision, setting up Monday’s hearing before the Ohio Liquor Control Commission, which will decide within the next week whether to back the license denial or side with the Go Go Cabaret, said Jada Brady, the commission’s executive director.

The commission already has moved to revoke the club’s license, citing illegal drug activities that were uncovered during a police raid last year. But Rucci also appealed that decision, and a Columbus judge issued a stay, allowing the business to continue to serve alcohol to customers.

“We’re in business; we’re operating,” he said. “Next week we have comedians with bands. We’re a cabaret that has some pretty unique stuff.”

Rucci also has filed a federal lawsuit, alleging harassment and unfair treatment. That case is scheduled to be heard in August, Rucci said.

Monday’s hearing included testimony from several township officials, including Trustee Lisa Oles, Police Chief Robert Gavalier, Detective Sgt. Jeff Solic and Fire Chief Andrew Frost.

Solic called the business the “worst of the worst” in terms of criminal activities — “It’s a nuisance to the township and county,” he said.

Gavalier and Oles both said they received numerous complaints of underage drinking, drug activity and prostitution on the premises.

“It’s been an ongoing thing. ... They’ve been ongoing complaints,” Oles said. She added later, “In the six years that I have been a trustee, I have never once received a complaint on the other two [adult entertainment] establishments [in the vicinity].”

Rucci said he has addressed the zoning issues that were specified in the resolution adopted by township trustees when they urged the state not to renew the Go Go’s liquor license. And he said he has instituted security policies to thwart illegal activities at the business.

mkovac@dixcom.com