Our latest #GOPCThread is up on Twitter today, as we take a look at ways Ohio is adapting to COVID-19 and working to promote social distancing.
Since March, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way Ohioans live their lives and the way we think about social interactions. While we have slowly opened back-up, challenges remain.
Not on Twitter, the thread is available online , as well as below.
Greater Ohio Policy Center Read on Twitter
Since March, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way Ohioans live their lives and the way we think about social interactions. While we have slowly opened back-up, challenges remain. One aspect that we have been told will not change however, is the need to socially distance.
While it may be easy to do this in some stores and businesses, it remains a challenge for bars and restaurants to safety accommodate customers and staff.
Today’s #GOPCThread looks at the unique ways some cities have embraced this opportunity, and ways that the state can enhance these efforts.
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Improving weather has permitted some the opportunity to take advantage and open-up outdoor dining options, greatly enhancing opportunities to serve customers in a safe manner.
Many cities across Ohio have supported this effort by closing streets or lanes in order to provide space for restaurant diners to safety social distance. First was @CityofCincy where several streets closed in the downtown and Over-the-Rhine neighborhoods.
Click Image for Story Link. Source fox19.com
Soon, other cities including @TheCityofCanton @portclintonoh and the City of Lebanon announced similar plans, with temporary lane closures and permit requirements waived to ensure safety.
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As we continue to open more businesses and slowly emerge from our COVID-imposed restrictions, more cities have embraced the concept of opening outdoor spaces. This has included @city_of_toledo and @CityofCleveland
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Communities have been creative in ways they have accommodated outdoor dining.
In Shaker Heights’ Van Aken District, artificial grass and picnic tables were put in place to create an open, inviting atmosphere.
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The @cityofdayton and the Dayton Downtown Partnership launched a pilot program to help first-floor businesses expand outdoor seating areas, with local organizations partnering to offer assistance.
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Still others are taking advantage of a provision in state law that permits the creation of Downtown Outdoor Refreshment Areas, known as DORA’s. DORA’s are designated public area where alcoholic beverages can legally be consumed.
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.@HamiltonOH @CityofTippCity and @city_of_toledo are all looking to expand existing DORA’s within their communities.
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Restaurants and bars are among the most important tenants in Ohio’s revitalizing commercial districts. They are what bring longtime residents and new people passing through into our historic downtowns and nearby neighborhoods.
Pending legislation in the Ohio General Assembly will provide these businesses’ owners with greater flexibility to expand their business at a time many are working to overcome the challenges imposed by multi-month shutdown…
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And also provide customers and employees with a safer, socially-distanced friendly environment.
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HB669 allows a permit holder to expand the area in which alcoholic beverages may be sold and consumed, including on-site parking lots and, with permission, areas adjacent to the business, such as sidewalks and streets that have closed to permit expanded outdoor dining.
Balancing the need to socially distance and support local businesses does not have to be mutually exclusive. Cities are showing the way. Enactment of HB669 will ensure more businesses will have the opportunity expand statewide.
