Bill aims to make O-H-I-O more H-I-P

DAYTON, Ohio – Ohio's cities that have watched their tax bases sag while hot destinations like Austin, Texas, and Nashville, Tenn., lure young professionals with a vibrant nightlife are hoping to bring a little flavor of Mardi Gras to the Buckeye state.

A bill that passed the Ohio Senate 31-0 last week has officials in cities from Cleveland to Cincinnati dreaming about bringing more sauce — and tax dollars — to their entertainment corridors.

The bill could allow many cities and townships to establish designated drinking areas where visitors can wander outside, drinks in hand, as if they are on Bourbon Street in New Orleans.

Some local officials, business groups and developers have embraced the idea of outdoor libations. They say the areas are intended to capitalize on changing consumer preferences, particularly among young people, and use a lively nightlife to promote economic development.

"I am all for generating revenue and increasing profits for businesses in our township," said West Chester Township Trustee President George Lang.

But others are reluctant to establish open-container zones, fearing increased expense, noise, littering, public drunkenness and crime.

Inspiration from other cities

Senate Bill 116, sponsored by State Sen. Eric Kearney, D-Cincinnati, would allow cities and townships of 35,000 people or more to create "outdoor refreshment areas." The bill is now before the Ohio House.

The areas, which can be no larger than a half mile by half mile, would be exempt from the state's open-container laws, meaning patrons would be able to consume beer, wine and cocktails outdoors from licensed establishments within the districts.

Kearney said the legislation would bolster tourism and business development by serving as a magnet to entertainment hot spots such as the Flats in Cleveland and the Banks in Cincinnati. Mayors in Dayton, Springfield and Hamilton have expressed support for the proposal, saying it could benefit their cities as well.

"We want to have opportunities to create place-making with ease, so this could be helpful for us when we talk about future development downtown," said Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley.

Lang advocates increasing the number of districts allowable under the proposal.

"To allow this kind of thing, there is a huge economic impact, because that is what many consumers enjoy," he said.

Some of the hottest destinations around the country offer outdoor drinking, Lang noted, including Bourbon Street in New Orleans and Beale Street in Memphis; each welcomes millions of visitors each year.

Of course, those places offer something Ohio doesn't and can't give its people: warm weather that stays past September. But Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska — hardly states with Bahamas-like weather — have state laws that allow local governments to create common consumption or entertainment districts, said Heather Morton, program principal of fiscal affairs with the National Conference of State Legislatures. Alabama, Colorado and Texas also have such laws, she said.

Louisville's 4th Street Live! is Kentucky's largest tourist attraction, based on visitor attendance each year. Patrons move freely within the district while carrying open alcohol containers — and don't cause trouble, said Rebecca Matheny, executive director of the Louisville Downtown Partnership.

"I think people very much appreciate the opportunity to have alcoholic beverages with them while enjoying socializing out of doors," Matheny said. "It can help establish an atmosphere of vibrancy and buoyancy."

Opposing views in Oregon

Low key is not usually how people usually describe Haunt Fest on Fifth, the annual Halloween event in Dayton's Oregon District where people can buy and drink alcohol on the fenced-off streets.

The event, a big draw that attracts people from throughout the region, costs the Oregon District Business Association about $70,000, said Michael Martin, the association's president.

He wondered if outdoor drinking areas would necessitate paying for an increased police presence and additional cleanup.

Housing and professional offices are a big part of the district's mix of bars, restaurants, retailers, and specialty shops, Martin said, and neighbors must be respectful of one another. If uncontrolled, the party atmosphere could lead to more unwanted behaviors, such as littering and noise, he said.

But some Oregon residents said they were either OK or indifferent with allowing outdoor drinking in the business corridor, especially if there were reasonable restrictions on the activity.

"Honestly, I don't think it would change very much of anything," said Jason Wise, 41, who has lived in the neighborhood for 11 years. "People would enjoy themselves, people would have a good time, and I don't think there'd be more garbage on the ground. As long as our costs don't go up, it's probably a good idea."