The Ohio Investigative Unit has issued citations following a St. Patrick’s Day celebration in the Austintown Plaza.

The operators of Frenchy’s Irish Pub and the Anthony V. Spano Foundation were cited for improper conduct, disorderly activity, and permitting removal of beer or intoxicating liquor sold for on-premises consumption.

According to its website, the Anthony V. Spano Foundation teamed up with Frenchy’s Irish Pub & Grill, in the Austintown Plaza for their St. Patrick’s Day celebration to raise funds for the foundation.

Tents were set up in the plaza parking lot outside the bar for Wednesday's celebration.

Agents say they saw a large crowd of people walking freely between a temporary liquor permit premises and another establishment.

Agents say there were approximately 400 people closely congregated between the two locations. Some were in consecutive seats at the bar with more standing behind them to order, according to agents. No social distancing measures or physical barriers were in place.

Customers were also allowed to stand and congregate while drinking. Little to no staff or customers were seen wearing facial coverings, according to agents.

Steel Valley Entertainment LLC., which operates Frenchy’s was cited.

The Spano Foundation website says the organization donates to charitable funds, awarding grants and maintaining philanthropic assets.

Anthony Spano with the foundation told 21 News he had just been made aware of the situation Thursday and is trying to gather more details. 

The cases will go before the Ohio Liquor Control Commission for potential penalties, including fines and/or the suspension or revocation of liquor permit.

The Ohio Investigative Unit is charged with enforcing the state’s liquor laws and is the only state law enforcement agency specifically tasked with investigating food stamp fraud crimes. Agents also investigate tobacco violations. Follow OIU on Facebook and on Twitter.