RESTAURANTS & BARS: Since May, when restaurants and bars reopened, @OhioCommerce has been working with local jurisdictions to extend liquor permits to outside spaces next to bars (like parking lots/sidewalks) so seating capacity can expand outside to keep patrons distanced.
We encourage owners to continue to work with us and their local governments to come up with creative ways to expand their outdoor seating capacity so that everyone can stay safe and be socially distanced.
So far, over 300 expansion requests have been granted to allow patrons more opportunities to enjoy dinner or drinks while enjoying themselves in a safe environment.
I ask our restaurant and bar owners to continue to insist on social distancing and other efforts to control the spread. This is absolutely vital.
