Ohio's 10 P.M. Last Call Rule Remains Despite Pushback From Bar Owners

Ohio's 10 p.m. last call is sticking around. A judge in Columbus decided Wednesday that the new last call time will stand despite a lawsuit from bar and restaurant owners claiming it's unfair.

Governor Mike DeWine signed off on the rule limiting when alcohol can be served on Friday. Not only was last call changed from 2 a.m. to 10 p.m., but all drinks must be finished before 11 p.m. It also expands the number of to-go drinks customers can buy from two to three, reports the Cincinnati Enquirer.

It's all part of the state's effort to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. On his Twitter account, DeWine explained his reasoning behind the change to the liquor law.

"The businesses can stay open – but we believe that stopping alcohol sales at 10 o’clock for onsite consumption will help thin out the crowd and help slow the spread," DeWine tweeted.

But business are not happy. Ten bar and restaurant owners who sued the state believe the rule is too broad and will ultimately hurt their bottom line, reports Cleveland 19 News. Adding to their hardship is that no one knows how long the new restriction will be in place.

The first weekend with the rules in place was not without hiccups. The Ohio Investigative Unit received more than 250 complaints about establishments still serving alcohol after 10 p.m. Bars and restaurants can be fined, or have their liquor license suspended or revoked for not following the emergency regulations.

As of Wednesday, there have been 93,305 coronavirus cases in the state, according to the Ohio Department of Health.

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