Ballot issues: Village supports Sunday liquor sales

To support economic growth and assist small businesses, the Village of Oak Harbor is seeking to legalize the sale of liquor on Sundays in two precincts that include the downtown district of the village.
Currently, only beer sales are permitted to be served on Sundays unless an establishment applies for a separate Sunday permit and it goes before voters in a general election – which is an additional cost that can prove to be prohibitive for small businesses, Mayor Quinton Babcock said.
A local liquor option – as permitted in the Ohio Revised Code - will eliminate the need for a business to have to apply for a special Sunday permit moving forward as long as the business is located within precincts Salem 2 and 3 in the village.
Oak Harbor is one of several communities moving to streamline efforts to lift the burden for small businesses currently operating but also to make the village more attractive for new businesses, the mayor said. Voters living in precincts Salem 2 and 3 will see two separate issues relating to liquor options. A “yes” vote on both would support removing Sunday Sales restrictions in the precincts.
“Small businesses are what make Oak Harbor the community we are. They are essential to our downtown area and in helping us to attract visitors and new businesses. Our goal is to make Oak Harbor not only a great place to live but also a great place to do business and open up new opportunities,” Mayor Babcock said.
The issue of sales of alcohol on Sundays dates back to the early 1900s when Ohio implemented “Blue Laws” that banned certain activities on Sunday. While the ban itself is no longer in effect, how sales are permitted are still tied to the original laws.
Bill Howey, owner of Howey’s House of Brews, said the liquor option would give his business a chance to reach a larger customer base on Sundays.
As a small-business owner, he said he does not have the time or the financial resources to undergo the lengthy process the state requires for the additional Sunday permit.
“I’m thankful to the village for putting this issue on the ballot. This levels the playing field and will eliminate any confusion among staff and patrons on the types of beverages that can be served on Sundays,” he said.
Voters can find out what precinct they live in, see a sample ballot, or get more information about voting by contacting the Ottawa County Board of Elections.
Similar options are on the ballot in Clay Township and Harris Township,