COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – An Ohio Senate committee has approved an amended Senate bill to allow entertainment districts where revelers could carry open containers of alcohol outside bars and restaurants in some cities.
The bill approved Tuesday is similar to one passed by the House. It would allow cities with populations from 35,000 to 50,000 to create an area where people could legally walk outside with open containers of alcohol. Two outdoor refreshment areas would be allowed in cities of 50,000 or more.
People could legally buy and drink alcohol within the areas. But they wouldn’t be permitted to bring their own drinks.
The Senate bill could be voted on by the full Senate this week.
Supporters want the districts approved in time for Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game on July 14 in Cincinnati.