A Hamilton County judge has ordered a temporary closure of Rusconi Bar & Kitchen in downtown Cincinnati amidst allegations of violence, underage drinking, and overcrowding. As reported by FOX19, Judge Megan Shanahan's decision came in response to the establishment's noncompliance with a court order to adhere to the city’s fire code capacity of 56 people. During an incident on August 19, police responded to a noise complaint and found 229 individuals within the venue. The owners, Cherelle Brunis, her husband Martez Jackson, and their business entity, Risconi Bar & Kitchen LLC, face a full hearing on September 27 concerning the ongoing nuisance complaint.
Controversy arises as the bar's attorney, Carl Lewis, suggests a hidden city agenda. "All we ask is that they be given a fair shake," Lewis remarked, indicating that the same issues, namely overcrowding and underage sales, occur at other local businesses without the same repercussions. According to FOX19, Lewis implied the city’s actions could be tied to the bar's proximity to a future tourist destination related to an ongoing convention center district project.
Meanwhile, as WLWT put forth, youth advocate Andrew Williams voiced support for the bar, focusing on a perceived unfair targeting. "The notion of just coming in and closing them down with no compensation is the most unfair thing that could happen," Williams stated, reflecting concerns especially pertinent for small Black-owned businesses like Rusconi Bar & Kitchen. The bar's closure aligns with a pending decision on its liquor license renewal, further intensifying the situation for the establishment.
Documented issues identified by the city in Local12 detail repeated alcohol service violations and violent incidents dating back to January 2023, including a reported shooting and an assault leading to the hospitalization of an FC Cincinnati player. City Manager Sheryl Long reinforced the city's stance, stating, "We also have a duty to protect the health and safety of our residents and visitors by upholding the laws of the city and the state of Ohio.” The closure of Rusconi Bar & Kitchen marks a rare move by the city but follows a pattern of commitment to addressing significant and persistent violations within the community.
