Columbus Sued Three Illegal Bars After Permit Revocations
The city filed a lawsuit against bars in the Crossroads Shopping Center following reports of illegal alcohol sales.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Property Crime
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Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein has filed a lawsuit against three establishments operating illegally in the Crossroads Shopping Center. The move follows the revocation of the properties' liquor permits in August.
Why it matters
The legal action seeks to shutter businesses that allegedly continued operating despite losing their ability to serve alcohol legally. These sites have been central to significant public safety concerns in the east Columbus area.
The lawsuit targets three bars, including Skyboxxx Lounge and The Social Lounge, which were identified in 66 police reports over two years. A preliminary injunction hearing is scheduled for October 14.
The players
Zach Klein
Zach Klein is the Columbus City Attorney who led the filing of the lawsuit against the properties.
Property Action Team
The Property Action Team is a specialized unit within the city's legal office responsible for investigating and addressing nuisance properties.
Skyboxxx Lounge
Skyboxxx Lounge is one of the establishments named in the city's lawsuit regarding illegal operations.
The Social Lounge
The Social Lounge is one of the establishments named in the city's lawsuit regarding illegal operations.
The details
The City Attorney's Property Action Team initiated the lawsuit after a covert investigation in late September revealed staff selling alcohol illegally. Reported incidents at these properties have included shootings, assaults, drug activity, and street takeovers.
Timeline
August 2026: Liquor permits for the properties were revoked.
Late September 2026: The PACT Unit conducted a covert investigation.
October 9, 2026: The lawsuit against the establishments was announced.
October 14, 2026: A preliminary injunction hearing is scheduled.
Legal Context
This action follows the established enforcement patterns of the Columbus City Attorney's Property Action Team nuisance abatement protocols. The city frequently uses such litigation to address commercial properties that consistently generate high volumes of police calls.
Residents and business owners in the Crossroads Shopping Center area may see a reduction in local police calls following the legal action. The lawsuit aims to resolve issues like street takeovers and violence that have impacted public safety in the vicinity.
The takeaway
The city is using legal pathways to close properties that have become chronic sources of criminal activity. Property owners and business operators must maintain compliance with permit regulations to avoid similar legal intervention.
What happens next
A preliminary injunction hearing is scheduled for October 14, 2026, to address the operation of the targeted establishments.
Further reading
For more information on local enforcement efforts, visit the Columbus Property Crime section.
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Should local businesses be held strictly liable for criminal conduct occurring on their property?
