Testimony in Support - Ohio Restaurant Association, House Commerce and Labor Committee (June 4, 2020)

Summary

Ohio Restaurant Association testimony in support of legislation described in its heading as HB 669: The Business Expansion and Safety Act, dated June 4, 2020, to the House Commerce and Labor Committee. On behalf of Ohio's 23,000 restaurant and foodservice locations and 585,000 restaurant and foodservice employees, the Association states in the body of the testimony that it supports HB 674. It states that the legislation provides for both the expansion of, and a streamlined process for, a local community to create a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (known as a DORA). The name block gives Tod Bowen, Managing Director of External Affairs and Government Relations.

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Full text

                    Ohio Restaurant Association Testimony in Support of HB 669:
                              The Business Expansion and Safety Act
June 4, 2020

Chair Manning, Vice-Chair Dean, Ranking Member Lepore-Hagan and Members of the House Commerce
and Labor Committee:

On behalf of Ohio’s 23,000 restaurant and foodservice locations and Ohio’s 585,000 restaurant and
foodservice employees, the Ohio Restaurant Association appreciates the opportunity to be here today in
support of HB 674. This timely legislation will give additional needed flexibility to Ohio’s restaurants
and the communities we serve. In light of the public health and economic crisis wrought on our state by
the COVID-19 pandemic, this legislation is an important and necessary step as Ohio’s economy reopens.

Ohio’s restaurants are the cornerstones of our communities, and our restaurants and our communities
have been devastated by this ongoing crisis. Even as restaurants begin to reopen, the Dine Safe Ohio
mandates they are operating under and a dining public that in many instances remains nervous, will
lead to a slow recovery. This legislation recognizes these important facts and will give restaurants a
better chance to make it through this crisis, emerge strong on the other side, and come back vigorously
to help revive Ohio’s economic engine and strengthen our communities. 51% of the US food dollar is
now spent at restaurants, making restaurants not just an essential part of our economy, but essential to
feeding our state, our country and our communities.

This legislation provides for both the expansion of, and a streamlined process for, a local community to
create a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (known as a DORA). Importantly, this gives local
communities an additional tool to support their local businesses and provide further safe opportunities
for their citizens to support and enjoy the businesses that make their community vibrant. Outdoor
dining and opportunities for our citizens to fully enjoy our communities’ downtowns and
neighborhoods are hallmarks of an Ohio summer, showcase our local businesses, and are a visible sign
of a vibrant community. Giving communities greater and permanent flexibility (while also letting them
keep local control) to expand DORAs and outdoor dining is a great way the Ohio Legislature can support
Ohio businesses and Ohio communities.

The Sunday brunch has become another staple of a family’s weekend. Many Ohio restaurants have
embraced serving their community on a Sunday, sometimes just for brunch, and sometimes throughout
the day. This legislation’s provision to eliminate the need for establishments to procure a separate
liquor permit just to serve alcohol on a Sunday is timely and helpful. The current economic and public
health crisis puts an even greater premium on maximizing every opportunity for our local businesses to
operate more fully and profitably. We appreciate your consideration of this legislation and the Ohio
Legislature’s support of Ohio’s restaurants and the communities we serve.

Tod Bowen, Managing Director of External Affairs and Government Relations
Ohio Restaurant Association


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