Legal Question in Criminal Law in Ohio

Club request

We have a private club, it's a paid membership and the doors are always locked. Members own the club and properties surrounding it which resides in a residential neighborhood. We have a food and liquor license. We have a chater and by-laws but none of the subjects are addressed.

1) If a policeman came to the door on his own without being called, do we have to let him in? What could happen if we don't?

2) We have a patio that is accessible only through the club itself. If there are members smoking pot on the patio and the police are called or come by, do we have to let them in? Who would be the ones in trouble for smoking, would it include those members inside teh club that do not participate in this activity? Is the liquor license in jeopardy? Fines? etc.


Asked on 3/20/06, 11:50 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Joseph Jacobs Jacobs & Lowder

Re: Club request

You never have to let the police into your property if they do not have a warrant. The people who are smoking would be the ones in trouble, and if the police contacted the liquor department, they could complain that the managers of your club (the owners of the license) are permitting drug abuse, which would threaten your license.

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Answered on 3/20/06, 11:57 am


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