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Ohio Senate Proposes Lifting Bar Curfew, But DeWine Says It Stays

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (Statehouse News Bureau) — The mandatory halting of sales of alcohol at Ohio bars at 10pm is getting pushback from owners, customers and elected officials. But Gov. Mike DeWine says it has to stay in place for now.

Liquor Bottles
[AP Images]
Two thirds of Ohio state senators – Republicans and Democrats – have signed on to a bill to repeal the curfew, in place since July 28. Dozens of bars have been cited for selling alcohol past 10pm and staying open later than 11pm.

DeWine has gotten pressure from cities and even law enforcement who have said people drinking in bars is safer than congregating elsewhere.

But he said with the way cases are rising in Ohio, the curfew stays.

“Candidly, I thought we would be able to lift that. But when you look at these numbers, these numbers are just horrible. And they’re going the wrong way. And we just can’t do it at this point,” DeWine said.

DeWine said he knows bars have been uniquely hurt by the initial shutdown, the restrictions on opening and this curfew, and he says he hopes to have details soon on how the state can help them out financially.