While most restaurants did a “great job” and most bars did a “decent job” when they reopened during the COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. Mike DeWine said problems occurred, particularly with bars.

Because of that, DeWine said Monday he was putting together “a large contingent of law enforcement and health officials from across state agencies and from our local communities” to crack down on bars and restaurants that violate social-distancing protocols.

“They will surge into conduct safety compliance checks in crowded bars and restaurants,” DeWine said. “They will issue administrative citations that could result in the revocation of liquor licenses. Further, we will work with municipal prosecutors to take potential criminal actions against these bad actors.”

The effort is being coordinated by the state Department of Public Safety’s Ohio Investigative Unit, he said. The unit is made up of state agents who enforce the state’s alcohol, tobacco and food stamp fraud laws and investigate suspected illegal activity in liquor-permit premises.

This is an “expansion of an existing group,” he said. The group normally consists of 70 people and is increasing, although DeWine said Monday he didn’t know by how many.

Patrons also could be cited, he said.

Restaurants and bars were allowed Friday to reopen outdoor service during the pandemic under specific protocols that required social distancing, including no more than 10 people at a table, physical dividers between tables and all customers having to be seated when eating and drinking. Some bars throughout the state were reported to have violated the requirements.

If a bar or restaurant can’t comply with the rules, it should close, DeWine said.

Bars and restaurants will be permitted to provide indoor service Thursday.

DeWine said most restaurants did an “amazingly good job” to follow the protocols this weekend, while most bars did a “good job.”

He said: “The truth is our economic recovery in Ohio is tied directly to how successful we are in preventing the spread. We are talking about the slowing of the spread. This can only be done by distancing. (The) more distance, less spread of the disease.”

As the state reopens for business, DeWine said, “there is a significant risk. But there are significant risks if we do not open up. It’s up to all of us to open our economy, but to do it in a safe way.”

COVID-19 DATA

Mahoning County reported two COVID-19 deaths Monday.

Trumbull and Columbiana counties did not post any new deaths Monday.

Overall, the Valley had 231 COVID-19 deaths as of Monday: 148 in Mahoning, 39 in Trumbull and 44 in Columbiana counties.

The Ohio Department of Health recorded 1,657 deaths in the state as of Monday, up from 1,625 the prior day.

There were 28,454 confirmed cases of the virus in Ohio on Monday, up from 27,923 Sunday.

Mahoning County had 1,231 cases Monday, up from 1,212 Sunday.

Trumbull County reported 461 cases Monday, up from 450 Sunday.

In Columbiana County, 434 cases were confirmed Monday, up from 420 a day earlier.

Statewide, 1,657 people were hospitalized as of Monday because of the virus, up from 4,921 Sunday.

There were 1,328 people in intensive-care units Monday, up from 1,305 Sunday.

dskolnick@tribtoday.com