“Today, the Ohio Liquor Control Commission passed an emergency rule to allow establishments with an existing on-premises liquor permit to sell and deliver alcohol, including high-proof liquor in limited quantity, for off-premises consumption,” DeWine wrote in a Twitter post.
Under the rule, customers can purchase two pre-packaged drinks per meal. All drinks must be closed and remain closed during transport, according to a press release from DeWine’s office.
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“Breweries can also now sell beer and wine that are not their own without food purchase, but food purchase is required for the sale of high-proof liquor,” the press release said.
Restaurants with bars lost a large source of revenue when dine-in services were shut down on March 15.
“I don’t make money off of food. I make money off our alcohol,” Tina Ramsey, owner of O’Conners Irish Pub said.
Ramsey explained that the new rule could be a “game changer.”
“It will help bring cash flow in here and help us survive,” Ramsey said.
Terri Katawick, owner of The Meadows Restaurant said, “I’m not sure if it’s going to do a lot of good or not. I’m glad it is available.”
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Despite doing carryout, curbside and delivery services, the business is down 75 to 80 percent, Katawick said.
Both restaurant owners said selling growlers has helped with their businesses - making them hopeful that the carryout cocktails will too. O’Conners Irish Pub has sold out of their own growlers, but will refill customers’ growlers.
With the new rule, both restaurants are offering their full cocktail menu.
O’Conners Irish Pub is offering customer favorites like the frozen Irish coffee, blueberry frozen margarita and flavored mules. A customer favorite at The Meadows Restaurant is their margarita.
Other restaurants that are offering carryout cocktails include El Toro, Los Mariachis and Speakeasy Ramen.
The coronavirus pandemic is continuing to impact local restaurants like O’Conners Irish Pub and The Meadows Restaurant. The owners explained that they are thankful for their customers’ continued support.
“The carryout business is not what I expected it to be, but people have been so nice,” Ramsey said. “They’re trying to support us, they want us to be here but there is only so much people can do because everybody is in the same boat.”
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