UPDATE: The Ohio Liquor Control Commission has approved the rule banning alcohol sales at bars and restaurants after 10 p.m. Read the latest information HERE.
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ORIGINAL STORY: At his press briefing on Thursday, Governor Mike DeWine said that he is calling on the Ohio Liquor Control Commission to call a meeting to consider enacting an emergency rule related to liquor sales amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The rule would require restaurants to end liquor sales at 10 p.m. each night and for the consumption of any alcohol to end by 11 p.m.
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DeWine said that while many bars are following proper safety measures, the reality remains that many of the practices associated with going to bars and restaurants has helped to increase the spread of the coronavirus. DeWine said that he didn't want to close down bars and restaurants as he had previously, but that he needed to do something to put additional safety measures in place.
"We do not want to shut down Ohio bars and restaurants. That would be devastating to them," DeWine said. "But we do have to take some action."
Earlier this week, Columbus passed legislation requiring bars and restaurants in the city to close by 10 p.m. A judge later blocked the ordinance from going to effect after several restaurants and bars filed a lawsuit.
DeWine said the Ohio Liquor Control Commission will discuss the potential rule at a meeting at 9 a.m. on Friday. If approved, DeWine said he will sign the order into effect on Friday night.
In addition to the new 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. cutoffs, DeWine said that he is also calling on the Liquor Control Commission to allow three take out drinks with each food order. The previous allowance had been two.