Agents shut down Toledo bingo event for operating without license

11/10/2017

State agents shut down a local bingo event after determining organizers hosted the game without a license.

Agents issued citations Nov. 4 at Georgjz419, 1205 Adams St. An anonymous caller reported the event in advance, said Shawn Tatter, agent in charge at the Ohio Investigative Unit Toledo office.

Civil citations filed against the liquor permit holder are for allowing consumption of alcohol during bingo and conducting bingo without a license, Agent Tatter said. Criminal charges are possible after consulting with the prosecutor, he said.

“These regulations are put in place to make sure everybody is on a level playing field and no business has any advantage over another,” Agent Tatter said.

Agents arrived about 2:30 p.m. and were finished by 5 p.m. The bar was not shut down, he said.

Organizers in an online event listing said proceeds were for charity. Bar management did not return a request for comment.