Ohio Senate passes open-container district bill in 32-0 vote

COLUMBUS (AP) — A bill to allow entertainment districts where revelers could carry open containers of alcohol outside bars and restaurants in some cities has passed the Ohio Senate.

Senators voted 32-0 today for the House-approved legislation later amended by a Senate committee. The House now will need to reconsider the amended version. A House spokeswoman says representatives wanted time to review the changes.

The bill would allow cities with more than 35,000 residents to create one area where people could legally walk outside with open containers of alcohol. Cities with more than 50,000 residents could create two outdoor refreshment areas.

The amended version would also permit cities with populations of 35,000 or less to create one district after meeting certain requirements.