Your neighborhood bar will have to continue its state-mandated last call at 10 pm a while longer. Gov. Mike DeWine said he is meeting soon with business leaders to discuss the possibility of lifting the restriction in the future, but so far there is no change.
It follows a statement from President Donald Trump that people should not be afraid of COVID-19. The President said it on Twitter after his release from the hospital where he was treated for the coronavirus. DeWine said while Ohioans should not fear the virus, they should continue to wear a mask, keep socially distant and continue to abide by restrictions. “For all of us in Ohio,” DeWine said, “my fellow citizens, we need to stay focused.”
The Governor said he is well aware that the business restrictions are hurting people financially. “I understand what this is doing. This is hurting small businesses, people who run restaurants and bars. I’ll have an opportunity to talk with a number of people from the restaurant association,” DeWine said.
John Barker, President and CEO of the Ohio Restaurant Association, said many businesses may not survive through the end of 2020 unless they get help right away. They have done their best with carryout and outdoor dining, but Barker said, with winter approaching, outdoor dining will soon not be an option. The 10 pm cut-off for alcohol sales are a severe limitation. “With bars, they just shut down at 10 pm and lose all of those sales,” Barker said.
One restriction that is being lifted involves the Bengals and Browns. To date they have been limited to 6,000 fans in their stadiums. A new variance granted by the DeWine administration allows them to have 12,000 fans. “This will give more football fans in Ohio the opportunity to go but also do it in a safe way,” DeWine said. The Governor was asked at his briefing Tuesday if that number could continue to grow as the season progresses. He said it is doubtful, but left open the possibility that it could happen.