Skip to main content
State Seal State Seal State Seal
Home Button Home Button Home Button
 
 
 

Cutrona Introduces Legislation Removing Restrictions for Restaurants and Bars

September 4, 2020
Al Cutrona News

Yesterday, State Rep. Al Cutrona (R-Canfield) filed legislation that will remove burdensome restrictions that were put on restaurants and bars across the state. The bill intends to eliminate the emergency rule from the Ohio Liquor Control Commission that has banned restaurants and bars from selling alcohol after 10 p.m. due to COVID-19.

“Flattening the curve and keeping Ohioans safe during this pandemic is obviously very important,” said Cutrona. “However, we have also seen the economic devastation that the coronavirus has caused and it’s time we look into restoring normal operating hours so that our businesses can thrive once again. Not only will this help our local bars and restaurants, but this action will result in increasing crucial revenue into our communities in order for our economy to recover and to bring our jobs back to Mahoning Valley.”

Cutrona’s legislation will remove the alcohol-sales restrictions due to the COVID-19 state of emergency. The bill will revert the hours of operation for liquor permit holders to those established before the COVID-19 State of Emergency. Additionally, the bill will prevent the Ohio Liquor Control Commission from restricting those hours for the duration of the emergency moving forward. The original implementation of the rule came as a result of reports that several bars and restaurants were not following proper social distancing guidelines.

“It is my wholehearted belief that we should allow these restaurant and bar owners, who have done everything in their power to ensure that their establishment is safe, to continue to operate and support their families,” said Cutrona.

The bill was filed with several co-sponsors and is awaiting formal introduction.