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Miami Valley businesses report boost in sales two weeks after end of curfew

Thursday marks two weeks since Ohio’s overnight curfew ended, and some Miami Valley businesses tell News Center 7 they are seeing the impact.

At Dublin Pub in Dayton, co-owner Steve Tieber estimates sales are likely up about ten percent compared to the two-plus months when the curfew was in place – a time period preceded by several months with a 10:00 p.m. cutoff for alcohol sales which is also now gone.

“Without question, we have noticed it,” Tieber told News Center 7′s Sean Cudahy Wednesday. "

Businesses across the Miami Valley and the country have been severely hindered by COVID-19 – particularly in the restaurant and bar industry.

Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted Monday acknowledged that as vaccine distribution ramps up in Ohio this year, it will be a time for growth and recovery in the economy, too.

“We know that 2021 is our year of recovery from the standpoint of the virus – as we get vaccines distributed – and the economy,” Husted said.

The National Restaurant Association recently acknowledged the need for support in that recovery effort in a letter sent to local and state leaders across the country, calling for various support measures like grants, tax relief, hiring incentives, and extending pandemic-era rules exceptions lie allowing expanded patio dining and to-go alcohol sales.

Meanwhile, with spring on the horizon, COVID numbers – at present – on the decline, and more and more people getting vaccinated, Tieber expects sales will begin to pick up even more.

“I’m not going to say it’s going to be a more profitable year, but it’s going to be way better than it was in 2020,” he said.

As for the end of the curfew, two weeks later? For some small businesses, Tieber said it’s everything.

“Our ability to stay open an extra hour, two hours or some places stay open ‘til 2:30 a.m… that’s our bottom line,” he said.

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