Vote set for open containers

Entertainment districts support measure for Ohio.

— An Ohio Senate COLUMBUS committee voted Tuesday to allow entertainment districts — such as Dayton’s Oregon Historic District, Austin Landing and Voice of America Centre in West Chester Twp. — where revelers could carry open containers of alcohol outside bars and restaurants.

The bill up for a Senate floor vote today would allow cities with populations ranging from 35,000 to 50,000 to create one area where people could legally walk outside with open containers of alcohol. Cities with more than 50,000 residents could create two outdoor refreshment areas. The bill has already passed the Ohio House.

Fifteen cities and townships in the Miami Valley would be eligible to create the districts if the law passes. The local cities that could be impacted are Dayton, Hamilton, Springfield, Kettering, Middletown, Beavercreek, Fairfield and Huber Heights. Townships impacted would be West Chester, Washington, Beavercreek, Miami, Bath, Liberty and Deerfield.

People could legally buy and drink alcohol within the areas, but wouldn’t be allowed to bring their own drinks. The amended version from the Senate State and Local Government Committee mirrors a section from a similar bill recently passed by the Senate committee to allow cities with populations of 35,000 or less to create one district after meeting certain requirements.

Supporters want the districts approved before Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game on July 14 in Cincinnati.