Ohio Considers Curfew On Alcohol Sales

COLUMBUS, OH — Ohio officials are considering implementing a curfew on alcohol sales at restaurants and bars. If implemented, sale of alcohol would have to stop at 10 p.m.

"Shutting down for a second time would be devastating to Ohio’s bars and restaurants. We are not going to do that today," DeWine said. "But, I’m announcing that I've requested the Ohio Liquor Control Commission to call a meeting to consider enacting an emergency rule related to liquor sales."

The commission will hold its meeting at 9 a.m. on Friday. If the rule is passed, it will be implemented Friday evening.

Gov. Mike DeWine said the rule would apply to "everybody who serves alcohol." Customers who order alcohol prior to 10 p.m. would have until 11 p.m. to finish their beverage.

As part of the rule, Ohio would expand the number of drinks available for pick-up with food purchases. DeWine said customers could now receive three drinks per purchase.

As COVID-19-related hospitalizations hit a new high in Ohio, DeWine said bars serve as a "revolving door" for people to come into close contact with strangers, allowing the virus to spread rapidly through populations.

Outbreaks of COVID-19 have been traced to bars in Columbus, Cleveland and Toledo, DeWine said.

"I am mindful of the economic impact of these tough circumstances, but we must slow the spread of COVID-19," the governor noted.