State can’t take Go-Go liquor license, federal judge rules

CLEVELAND — A federal judge has barred the Ohio Division of Liquor Control from taking away the Go Go Girls Cabaret’s liquor license before all appeals of the state’s non-renewal of that license are exhausted.

The temporary restraining order sought by the Austintown cabaret was issued Monday by U.S. District Court Judge Ann Aldrich.

However, Judge Aldrich declined to grant the temporary restraining order the cabaret had sought to prevent Austintown Township and Mahoning County from enforcing portions of the township zoning ordinance pertaining to sign displays by sexually-oriented businesses, such as Go Go.

The judge’s rulings came in a federal lawsuit cabaret owner Sebastian Rucci had filed earlier this month against the township and the county, alleging harassment and unfair treatment of his business.

In an e-mail to The Vindicator, Rucci said the cabaret would reopen this week. However, telephone calls to the Clarkins Drive cabaret went unanswered Tuesday and Rucci could not be reached for an interview.

Read more in Wednesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com