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Proposed Law Would Allow Open Containers In Some Ohio Cities
By: Associated Press
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Update 5:01 p.m. An Ohio Senate committee has approved an amended Senate bill to allow entertainment districts where revelers could carry open containers of alcohol outside bars and restaurants in some cities.
The bill approved Tuesday is similar to one passed by the House. It would allow cities with populations from 35,000 to 50,000 to create an area where people could legally walk outside with open containers of alcohol. Two outdoor refreshment areas would be allowed in cities of 50,000 or more.
People could legally buy and drink alcohol within the areas. But they wouldn’t be permitted to bring their own drinks.
The Senate bill could be voted on by the full Senate this week.
Supporters want the districts approved in time for Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game on July 14 in Cincinnati.
Ohio’s lawmakers are considering a proposal that would bring a little bit of Bourbon Street to the Buckeye state.
The idea is to allow for entertainment districts similar to those in New Orleans and Memphis, Tennessee, where revelers could carry open containers of alcohol outside.
The proposal would put a limit of two entertainment districts in cities with at least 50,000 people. Cities with at least 35,000 could create one area where bar and restaurant customers could walk outside with open containers without breaking the law.
Customers could buy and drink alcohol within a designated half square mile. But they wouldn’t be permitted to bring their own drinks.
The proposal recently passed the House and is now awaiting a vote in the Senate.