By Tom O'Neill
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Miamitown Lounge will be opened today for prospective buyers. (Ernest Coleman photo) | ZOOM |

MIAMITOWN - Want a bar that, according to Anheuser-Busch, sold more Bud per week than any other bar in the area?

Don't mind the U.S. marshals' yellow tape on the door. It comes down from 2-3 p.m. today, when officials will open the Miamitown Lounge to prospective buyers.

The bar has been a fixture for three decades. It's near a softball park and had live music until its owner, Willie Hornsby, forfeited it because of a drug conviction.

IF YOU GO

What: Tour of Miamitown Lounge, up for bid by U.S. Marshals Service, following drug-case forfeiture. When: Today, 2 to 3 p.m. Where: 7954 Harrison Ave., Miamitown

Mr. Hornsby, 44, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 11 pounds of cocaine. He reported to the Federal Correctional Institute at Ashland, Ky., Wednesday, to begin a 30-month sentence.

The starting bid is $184,800, including the liquor license.

"Everybody's just curious," Ron Schmidt, who owns the Miamitown auto shop across Harrison Avenue, said Thursday.

A refundable deposit of $2,500 must accompany written bids, which are due Feb. 13.

E-mail toneill@enquirer.com