City shuts down Columbus restaurant and bar after 30-plus police calls in one year

Columbus city attorney Zach Klein has temporarily shut down a North Side bar with a history of shootings, violence and more.

On Aug. 7, Klein’s office announced that the city’s Property Action Team obtained a restraining order Czars Restaurant and Lounge, temporarily closing the business. Czars is located at 6857 Flags Center Dr., near the intersection of  Schrock Road and Cleveland Avenue. A continued hearing will be held on Aug. 17. 

In the last 12 months, police have been called to Czars 33 times, for incidents including violence and shootings.

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On Christmas Eve of 2025, Police were called due a report of shots being fired. In April, police respond to Czars after an assault was reported. The victim told police she was hit in the face and knocked down, and multiple individuals began to hit and kick her while she was on the ground. A Czars employee sprayed pepper spray in order to break up the altercation.

“Nightlife is important to our city, but so is safety. When a bar or restaurant becomes a magnet for crime and violence, we will step in to have ownership change course or face legal consequences, including potentially losing their liquor permit or being shut down,” Klein said in a press release. “Thanks to CPD and my office’s Property Action Team for their work in getting this problem bar shut down and improving safety on the north side.”

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