Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends liquor laws to allow bars and restaurants to stay open until 4 am on weekends, sell liquor on Sundays, and establish outdoor drinking areas.

Highlights:

• Authorizes holders of a J permit to sell beer, wine, mixed beverages or spirits until 4 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays only, past the original statewide cutoff time of 2:30 a.m. (Sec. 4303.221).

• Establishes that a J permit costs $100 (Sec. 4303.221).

• Repeals the following requirements to sell alcoholic beverages on Sundays (Sec. 4301.351):

• The passage of a referendum by local voters; and

• The requirement of holding a D-6 liquor permit.

• Authorizes a municipality to conduct 24-hour alcohol sales upon passage of a referendum in a special election (Sec. 4301.35).

• Prohibits the Liquor Commission from revoking a liquor permit of an establishment that violated Ohio’s COVID-19 stay-at-home order prior to June 1, 2020 (Sec. 4303.99).

• Authorizes municipalities to create an outdoor refreshment area to include additional property within the municipality or township, at the discretion of the municipality’s chief executive (Sec. 4301.82). 

• Authorizes the consumption of alcohol in airport terminals as long as (Sec. 4303.181):

• The establishment where the alcohol is purchased is in the airport; and

• The airport is publicly owned and its officials authorize such use.

• Authorizes bars to sell prepackaged meals and nonalcoholic beverages without a food establishment license (Sec. 4303.021).

Full Bill Text