Ohio Health Czar Acton Extends Dining Provisions Until July 1, Gov. DeWine Assembles Restaurant Police Force to Threaten Removal of Liquor Licenses

 

Between Health Director Dr. Amy Acton sneaking in an extension of her dining orders until July 1 and Governor Mike DeWine assembling a restaurant police force, one may wonder if Ohio is really reopening.

Late last Thursday, following the final press conference of the week, Acton issued the “Director’s Dine Safe Ohio Order,” which is available here. The order allowed outside restaurant dining as of last Friday.

The Health Department director mentioned, “The sacrifices and incredible efforts that Ohioans have undertaken, make it possible to begin to lift the mandatory requirements and restrictions that were needed during the initial phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic.”

Acton gave permission for restaurants bars and such businesses to reopen for “full, dine-in service within the State so long as all workplace safety standards are met.” Such requirements included forcing customers to keep six feet apart in line, placing a limit of 10 people per reservation, and telling customers to sit down while eating or drinking. Restaurants received permission to not to have to remove fixtures like video games and billiards. Customers are to be allowed to wear masks, and workers in most cases must wear masks or the business must provide written justification, among other requirements.

Two paragraphs in the 10-page order address the fact that Acton’s original March 15 order is being amended in regards to on-site restaurant consumption for patio and indoor dining but otherwise her order stands until July 1.

“This remainder of this Order shall be effective at 12:01 a.m. on May 21, 2020 and remains in full force and effect until 11 :59 p.m. on July l, 2020, unless the Director of the Ohio Department of Health rescinds or modifies this Order at a sooner time and date.”

And:

I hereby ORDER that restaurants and bars may reopen or continue to operate as set forth in this Order. This Order shall remain in full force and effect until 11:59 p. m on July 1, 2020, unless the Director of the Ohio Department of Health rescinds or modifies this Order at a sooner time and date. 

Meanwhile, DeWine on Monday said he is creating a task force to investigate and punish restaurants that do not comply.

The enforcement team will operate as part of the Ohio Department of Safety’s Ohio Investigative Unit (OIU) and will conduct safety compliance checks in crowded bars and restaurants.  Businesses found violating the Stay Safe Ohio order will receive administrative citations that could result in the revocation of liquor licenses.  The OIU team will also work with municipal prosecutors to take potential criminal actions against business owners who do not follow the order, which includes the requirement that patrons remain seated while eating/drinking and that parties stay six feet apart.

So, even as daycares, campgrounds and sports leagues prepare to open, people are encouraged to work from home, wear masks and keep their distance, and the restaurant police are watching restaurants and bars until at least July 1.

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Jason M. Reynolds has more than 20 years’ experience as a journalist at outlets of all sizes.

 

 

 

 

 

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13 Thoughts to “Ohio Health Czar Acton Extends Dining Provisions Until July 1, Gov. DeWine Assembles Restaurant Police Force to Threaten Removal of Liquor Licenses”

  1. Dave

    I have said since day 1 that Dr. Acton is part of the deep state. Gov. Dewine has become a power hungry tyrant and both must be stopped.

  2. I have not said this before so stop it. Stop being a dem. He has always been a rino and looks like a mouse

  3. Droopy Dawg

    Queen Amy, it’s obvious that you want restaurants and small businesses to fail. Perhaps you and DeWine can pay these owners and employees out if your own pockets.

  4. Tim Gray

    We need to take it to court where the governors need to be addressed.

  5. Joseph Shepherd

    Let residents decide if going out to eat is good or bad. I’m out Dewiner is done in my book. Flip flopper

    1. He has always been a rino and looks like a mouse

  6. Dave

    The state is losing tax dollars but Dewine can form a restaurant/bar Gestapo. Where is the money coming from?

  7. EM MOTTER

    AGREE WITH ALL REMARKS MADE HERE…POWER AND CONTROL IN THE FULLEST…..THE DOCTOR AND GOVENOR ACTON

  8. Mark Solars

    I’m a central committee member and will actively campaign against DeWine. Acton has too much authority. I can’t stand these twins.

    1. Fred Conner

      You got my vote…

  9. James A. Mills

    Take your Nazism to Germany. You’re DONE as a politician DeWine.

  10. Im going to actively campaign against our governor and hopefully reverse my mistake of voting for him the last time

  11. Jim

    I don’t believe in recalling a governor; but with our present governor, I’ll make an exception. Too bad we don’t have a recall in this state. Maybe it’s time we get one.

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