Senator Eric H. Kearney (D-Cincinnati) has introduced Senate Bill 296, which will set new restrictions on where liquor stores can operate. Under this bill, retail liquor sales establishments will be discouraged from locating nearby nursing homes and childcare centers. The bill would also empower local communities’ role in rejecting problem establishments by strengthening guidelines for the liquor control commission.

“I received complaints from childcare owners and community council members in Bond Hill, Price Hill, and Kennedy Heights concerning the unfortunate behavior that is often associated with liquor stores. The values of individual communities are taken into account with Senate Bill 296. No childcare facility or nursing home should be subject to the negative disturbances linked with some liquor retailers,” Kearney said.

Currently the Liquor Control Commission can refuse to issue or transfer a permit if the establishment is near a school, church, library, public playground, or hospital. The addition of nursing homes and childcare centers will be a minor but much needed expansion of current law.

“Extending the power of the Liquor Control Commission will ensure that both seniors and children are protected from potentially dangerous businesses and empower the community to have more say in what businesses can build in their neighborhoods,” said Kearney.

The bill would make it much easier for the Liquor Control Commission to deny permits to problem stores by tightening the standards on what constitutes a nuisance to the public. It does this in part by setting clear rules for what must happen when a store is not in compliance with the community standard and the law.