Grab a beer and head outside. Well, not yet. But soon. Maybe. It depends on where you are.

State lawmakers gave final approval Wednesday to legislation that would allow outdoor alcohol consumption in areas such as The Oregon District, The Greene or Austin Landing. Governor Kasich signed House Bill 47 yesterday making it effective now, allowing more than 60 Ohio cities with a population greater than 35,000 people to create ‘outdoor refreshment areas’ that are exempt from the state’s open-container laws.

The legislation designates that these entertainment area’s are limited to a half square mile area that has at least four liquor licenses. Beavercreek Mayor Brian Jarvis has said his staff “will research it, look into all the details, all the legislation. Then come back to us during a work session to explain what it’s all about.”
No word yet from other potential outdoor drinking districts yet, but we’re sure we’ll be hearing more very soon.

According to the legislations, smaller communities would be able to designate such areas in two years.