Thursday, July 21, 2011
COLUMBUS (AP) — At least one state lawmaker isn’t ready to toast plans for a new bar serving alcohol in the Ohio Statehouse.
Republican Rep. Rex Damschroder says the decision by the board overseeing the state Capitol building “sends a very negative message.” The lawmaker from Fremont in northwest Ohio tells the board in a letter that he’s not aware of any other U.S. statehouse with a fully operational bar.
Ohio Statehouse managers said recently that a full-service bar would open next month within an current cafe.
Statehouse spokesman Gregg Dodd says there have been some misunderstandings. He tells The Columbus Dispatch the bar won’t have bottles on display and will serve liquor only to private groups. Dodd says “Joe Schmo Public” won’t be able to walk in and order a beer.