Patton Supports, House Passes Business Expansion and Safety Act

State Rep. Tom Patton (R-Strongsville) today voted to support House Bill 669, the Business Expansion and Safety Act. The legislation allows restaurants and brew pubs to have greater flexibility to bring in more revenue and assist them in moving forward with a safer and more socially distanced friendly environment. The legislation passed the Ohio House and Patton is a cosponsor of the bill.

“The small business community has been severely impacted by this pandemic, especially bars and restaurants,” said Patton. “Not only the owners, but the workers as well. This bill does a great job at adapting to our current pandemic climate to allow businesses to bring in more revenue while adhering to safety protocols.”

The Business Expansion and Safety Act would do the following:

• Allows for retail permit holders to utilize more outside space on private or public property with approval from the local township or municipality while serving customers;
• Codify into permanent law the “carry-out” drinks allowance by the Ohio Liquor Control Commission; and
• Allows for third party delivery for carryout alcohol for those over the age of 21.

Even with reopenings beginning, businesses revenue is limited due to social distancing requirements. Ohio saw the difficulties in this over the weekend when several establishments were issued citations for violating the Ohio Administrative Code of social distancing.

The bill has received support from several groups throughout the committee process including the Ohio Restaurant Association, Ohio Licensed Beverage Association, the Greater Ohio Policy Center, and others.

Due to the coronavirus, all Ohioans have had to change certain aspects of how they operate. The Business Expansion and Safety Act is adapting to what Ohio’s business climates have faced in order to continue to operate, try their best to draw in revenue and still keep Ohioans safe moving forward.