We tend to live in the silos of our communities, thinking that our problems are unique to just us. In September, we learned that both Clifton and Roselawn − and very likely other communities − have been struggling with an identical threat to public safety: all-night rowdy street parties on weekends, associated with hookah establishments.
Cincinnati City Council’s 9-0 vote on Sept. 17 to pass a new ordinance restricting operating hours of the city’s hookah lounges was presented by Councilman Mark Jeffreys. Operating hours will now be allowed from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weeknights, and 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekends. Community members and city leaders worked together to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone, all while encouraging local businesses to thrive.
Residents are left to clean up the mess of rowdy parties
For over two years, both Roselawn and Clifton have endured persistent illegal behaviors associated with their hookah bars, activities completely at odds with everything residents do to make life safe and pleasant.
Loud, aggressive street parties disrupted the sleep of residents and the operation of other businesses and services. Illegal activities included unlawful alcohol and food sales on the street, underage tobacco sales, illegal smoking in closed establishments, street altercations and incidents of assault and kidnapping, the brandishing of automatic weapons, and obstruction of emergency vehicles in one episode on Ludlow Avenue that included assault on law enforcement personnel. Neighboring businesses and volunteers were left to clean up the messes in the morning − broken liquor bottles, food, and human waste in private parking lots, and on streets and sidewalks…