Liquor enforcement cites Mi Ranchito for underage drinking

Mi Ranchito, a popular Mexican restaurant and bar in Oakland, was issued a premise citation for underage drinking early Friday morning before its 2 a.m. closing time.

The Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement raided Mi Ranchito, commonly referred to as “Mi Ranch,” on Atwood Street at 1:30 a.m. Friday. Pittsburgh-based liquor enforcement officers conducted an open inspection for minors at the bar, according to officer Eric Swartzwelder, which was based on a random selection of establishments to check for underage drinking.

According to Swartzwelder, officers issued citations for underage drinking to seven individuals, six of which are Pitt students. One of the seven individuals was also issued a citation for providing false identification to an officer.

Swartzwelder said the restaurant will not be forced to shut down as long as the owners pay the citation.

Glen Titler, supervisor of the Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement, arrived on the scene after the initial raid. He said officers decided to raid the building because a number of individuals at the bar looked under the legal drinking age.

A representative who asked to remain unnamed from Pittsburgh Police Department Zone 4, which includes the Oakland area, said city police were not involved in the raid, except for providing backup to the Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement. The representative also confirmed that the raid was conducted because of underage drinking.

A manager at the restaurant declined to comment on Monday afternoon.