COLUMBUS, Ohio — Gov. Mike DeWine on Thursday proposed all Ohio liquor-permitted establishments stop serving alcohol after 10 p.m. in order to limit crowds during the coronavirus pandemic.
The measure is not an order for DeWine, as he has instead asked the state liquor commission to consider the issue. Some thought the governor would force the businesses to close again due to the rise in case numbers over the past month, but he concluded that would be "devastating" to Ohio's economy."
The emergency meeting of the commission will take place at 9 a.m. on Friday. Bars and restaurants would be affected, but would be allowed to stay open late even after last call.
Reaction on social media has been mixed, with some accusing DeWine of overreach while others see it as more of a half-measure. Many also blamed the bars themselves, as several were seen violating orders with packed crowds that went against social distancing regulations.
Here are some of the top comments we found: