Gov. Mike DeWine has signed into law a bill that gives bars, restaurants, breweries and wineries more flexibility.
The Business Expansion and Safety Act, in part, permits third-party companies to deliver alcohol to of-age customers who buy a meal.
“This bill is going to help our main street businesses, restaurant industry, and all of the waiters, waitresses, bartenders and Ohioans that rely on that industry to pay their bills,” state Rep. D.J. Swearingen, R-Huron, said in a news release. “…We have seen the detriment COVID-19 has caused and this will help our restaurants and other businesses as they make a comeback from this pandemic.”
Several groups, including the Ohio Restaurant Association, Ohio Licensed Beverage Association, the Greater Ohio Policy Center and the Buckeye Institution, endorsed the measure. It also allows retail permit holders to use more outside space on private or public property with government approval.
“The Business Expansion and Safety Act works to give businesses the flexibility to expand their operations with the hope of leading to maximized revenue generation and making up for lost profits after the state shutdown,” state Rep. Jeff LaRe, R-Violet Township, said in a news release. “This is truly pro-business legislation that benefits both the sellers and consumers.”