The Ohio House Commerce & Labor Committee approved a bill that would allow bars and restaurants to sell liquor on Sundays without a special permit. Currently local voters must approve for a permit to be issued. It also allows sales until 4 a.m. the next day. That provision has led to opposition from local police chiefs.
“Making cocktails to-go permanent in Ohio will help generate much-needed revenue for hospitality businesses struggling to cope with the economic hardships caused by COVID-19,” said David Wojnar, VP-state government relations, Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. “This consumer- and business-friendly measure will provide an important boost to Ohio’s economy and help local businesses get back on their feet. We encourage the Senate to pass this measure as soon as possible.”
Currently, 33 states and the District of Columbia are allowing restaurants and/or bars to sell cocktails to-go, bottled spirits to-go or both. Other states, including Texas, Florida, Oklahoma, Iowa and the District of Columbia, are also considering making these policies permanent.