The owner of Zeno’s Victorian Village, 384 W. Third Ave., will become the first to challenge the city’s enforcement of the statewide smoking ban at a hearing Wednesday.
Zeno’s first encounter with the city came early on, with an investigation that started a year ago this month and resulted in a warning letter sent in late July. In October, the establishment was fined $100. That fine was paid.
In early December, the city fined Zeno’s $1,000. That’s double the base level for a second fine. The law allows the city to double the fine when inspectors believe the violations are “ intentional,” said John Richter, supervisor for Columbus’ smoke-free program.
The business has not paid that fine and instead requested the administrative hearing to take place Wednesday. A hearing officer will make recommendations to the Board of Health, which will take up the matter at its next meeting.
In the meantime, city started a fourth investigation in March, resulting in yet another fine, this time for $2,000, Richter said.
Each investigation was prompted by a complaint called into the city.
Dick Allen, owner of Zeno’s, could not be reached.
I’m sure the good people of Columbus are glad to see their tax dollars and working time of law enforcement professionals and administrators being sucked into this worthwhile cause.
Oh well. I’m sure that there aren’t any other pressing issues facing Columbus at the moment, anyway.
Filed under: Ban Damage, Defiance, Ohio Ban News, Small Business Owners
