2 suburbs may tap new alcohol law
Patrons of downtown Hilliard and Worthington soon might be allowed to sip alcoholic beverages and stroll through outdoor drinking districts.
Officials in both central Ohio cities hope to create designated outdoor refreshment areas for pre-approved community events in Hilliard’s Station Park and Old Worthington. They would be the first cities statewide to take advantage of a state law that goes into effect April 30 for communities of their size.
Proponents say the
districts, which exempt drinkers from open container laws, would enhance guest experiences in alreadypopular areas and boost sales at nearby businesses. Guests must purchase beverages from specified restaurants and they can only be served in plastic containers.
The goal is to complete the plans in time for events starting in June — Hilliard’s weekly Celebration at the Station and Worthington’s Picnic with the Partnership on June 24.
“We’re a walkable downtown with the park and patios, some live music here and there,” said Gordon Milligan, owner of Abner’s Casual Dining, one of four Hilliard businesses that would participate this year.
“This would give people the opportunity to see what’s going on everywhere.”
If possible, Worthington might expand its district to also permanently allow outdoor dining at several restaurants lining High Street.
Current state law requires fencing for outdoor dining at restaurants that offer alcohol. It’s impossible to fence off areas in front of Old Worthington businesses, however, because that would block pedestrian walkways, said Annina Parini, executive director of the nonprofit Old Worthington Partnership, which proposed the outdoor drinking district.
City officials are still exploring whether the new law would allow for the arrangement. A state spokesman said Thursday that it should apply.
“The statute allows for a lot of leeway for each municipality, so you can adapt it to your own circumstances and what you want to accomplish,” Parini said. “For us, that’s helping our restaurants expand their dining capacity.”
Ohio House Bill 47, which took effect in 2015, permitted cities or townships with populations of 35,000 or more people to establish one or two designated outdoor refreshment areas, depending on their size. Districts can encompass up to 320 acres and at least four liquor permit-holders must participate.
The staggered law says cities or townships of fewer than 35,000 people can establish one district encompassing up to 150 acres starting April 30, which is why Hilliard and Worthington just recently began exploring the idea. Their populations are about 33,650 and 14,500, respectively, according to U.S. Census estimates.
Five cities in Ohio — Canton, Toledo, Middletown, Lancaster and Lorain — have created a designated outdoor refreshment area since the law took effect.
An ordinance is expected to go before Hilliard City Council members for a vote April 24. Worthington City Council members asked officials to begin drafting legislation on Monday.
If the district is successful, Hilliard officials might ask city council members to approve a new ordinance in the future, expanding it to include more restaurants and events and longer hours, Hilliard Parks and Recreation Department Director Steve Mazer said.
“We’re excited to see how this works out first,” Mazer said.
After approving an ordinance creating a designated outdoor refreshment area, cities or townships must then submit applications to the Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of Liquor Control, which issues special permits to participating restaurants and bars. That process typically takes a few weeks.
Applications must include a map of the proposed designated outdoor refreshment area, proof of proper zoning and a safety plan. City officials must also notify the public. Ordinances must include details about signs, hours of operation and a sanitation plan.
As of Thursday, the division had not received any new applications, division spokesman Matt Mullins said.