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DeWine Signals Some Restrictions On Bars Could Be Lifted Soon

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (Statehouse News Bureau) — Bars throughout the state have been begging Gov. Mike DeWine to loosen the restriction put in place under a coronavirus order that requires them to cut off sales at 10 pm.  Now, DeWine signals those rules might be relaxed soon.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine is delivering this week's coronavirus update briefings from his home in Cedarville
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine is delivering this week’s coronavirus update briefings from his home in Cedarville. [The Ohio Channel]
DeWine said he’s hearing complaints from bar owners that the 10 p.m. last call is too early and is hurting their bottom lines, especially now when sporting events run later in the evening.

“I get it. I understand that. I have close friends who run bars. And I know this is tough for them.”

He’s receiving mixed response from mayors about the early last call.

Changing the order to allow later sales must be a balance of the health of Ohioans against the health of business, he said. And people won’t go to bars in the future at all if they are afraid their health will be compromised due to COVID-19.