Legislation that would allow for exceptions to open container laws is making its way through the Ohio Statehouse. Senate Bill 116, sponsored by Sen. Eric Kearney of Cincinnati, would permit cities to establish “entertainment districts” where people could consume alcoholic beverages in public spaces. The Ohio Senate passed the bill on Dec. 2.
In a press release issued after the bill’s passage in the Senate, Kearney said the relaxation of open container laws in certain locations would boost tourism and business opportunities at a time when many Ohio cities are striving for and experiencing revitalization.
“As a result, many convention planning committees across the country are looking to Ohio to host their events,” said Kearney. “By modifying Ohio’s open container law, we are empowering Ohioans to explore their cities and townships in newfound ways and create new revenue streams throughout the State of Ohio.”
Under SB 116, any Ohio municipality with a population of 35,000 or more would be allowed to create a designated area of one-half mile by one-half mile where patrons could legally consume alcohol outdoors. It would be up to local governments and councils to determine the exact location of an entertainment district if they wanted to establish one.
In the midst of its own revitalization, Columbus is rarely eager to reject anything that promises to boost tourism and business. Megumi Robinson of Experience Columbus said that establishing entertainment districts would help Columbus keep up with the city’s main regional competition, namely Nashville and Louisville, which already have outdoor refreshment areas. Still, SB 116 has been met with mixed reaction locally over the potential for safety issues associated with open container districts.
“We like seeing things, like SB 116, that make it easier to host major events, races, festivals, etc. that will attract new visitors to join Columbus residents in enjoying our districts,” said Robinson in an email. “But, we want to make sure that it is balanced by public safety.”
Support for an open container area in the Short North Arts District is low and the Short North Alliance has shared the neighborhood’s safety concerns with state lawmakers. Betsy Pandora, SNA’s executive director, said that feedback from Short North stakeholders has been largely negative and it’s unlikely there will be majority support for an entertainment district in the neighborhood.
“We presently deal with the negative impacts of illegal open container use in our neighborhood and spend considerable time, energy and resources to combat the issues which result from it,” said Pandora in an email.
Pandora said SNA would work with local officials to address neighborhood concerns in the event that SB 116 passes and entertainment districts are opened in the city.
Tina Guegold, spokesperson for the Arena District, said the District is aware of the legislation but hasn’t yet fully explored how it might be used in their part of town.
“If SB 116 passes we would certainly examine the new opportunities that this legislation could create for attracting additional events and activities to the area,” said Guegold in an email. “It would be one more tool for us to utilize when positioning the city and state to compete against other markets for national scale events.”
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