New proposal would allow open container laws in entertainment districts

A new proposal would allow downtown Cincinnati visitors to enjoy an alcoholic beverage as they stroll from restaurant to restaurant, or bar to bar.State representative Bill Blessing, of Colerain Township, and Denise Driehaus, of Cincinnati, recently reintroduced House Bill 598.The two want Ohio cities to be able to create areas, or entertainment districts, where the open container law would not apply.The hope was to boost business and create areas like those in New Orleans or Las Vegas. The city governments would be able to choose where those entertainment districts would be."As a frequent visitor to New Orleans, I have personally seen the economic advantages that such entertainment districts bring about," Blessing said. "With proper law enforcement in place, I am confident that we can revitalize Ohio's cities in ways unimaginable just a decade ago. Entertainment district will create another incentive for Ohioans to patronize local businesses, and local governments indirectly, while having a great time in the process."House Bill 598 is in partnership with state Sen. Eric Kearney's bill. He introduced similar legislation last year.The new bill is awaiting committee designation.

A new proposal would allow downtown Cincinnati visitors to enjoy an alcoholic beverage as they stroll from restaurant to restaurant, or bar to bar.

State representative Bill Blessing, of Colerain Township, and Denise Driehaus, of Cincinnati, recently reintroduced House Bill 598.

The two want Ohio cities to be able to create areas, or entertainment districts, where the open container law would not apply.

The hope was to boost business and create areas like those in New Orleans or Las Vegas. The city governments would be able to choose where those entertainment districts would be.

"As a frequent visitor to New Orleans, I have personally seen the economic advantages that such entertainment districts bring about," Blessing said. "With proper law enforcement in place, I am confident that we can revitalize Ohio's cities in ways unimaginable just a decade ago. Entertainment district will create another incentive for Ohioans to patronize local businesses, and local governments indirectly, while having a great time in the process."

House Bill 598 is in partnership with state Sen. Eric Kearney's bill. He introduced similar legislation last year.

The new bill is awaiting committee designation.