Pool hall owner charged with liquor violations

3/24/2005

DEFIANCE - The owner of a pool hall here has been charged with violating Ohio liquor laws after state agents bought beer from a pop machine at the facility, the Ohio Department of Public Safety said.

Ralph J. Justus, 61, of Defiance was charged with two counts of illegal sale of beer and two counts of keeping a place where alcohol is sold and/or furnished in violation of the law. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of one year in jail and a $3,000 fine. Mr. Justus is scheduled to make an initial appearance Wednesday in Defiance Municipal Court.

Liquor control agents on Saturday found evidence that Big R's Pool Hall, 319 Clinton St., was selling beer without a liquor license. Confiscated were $226.95 and 43 cans of beer.