Loveland has begun the process of adding to the city’s entertainment district.
The update would not be a drinking district with open containers or an extension of the downtown area’s Designated Outdoor Refreshment (DORA) District.
It will just increase the number of liquor permits available in a new area that is being called the Community Entertainment District.
City Manager David Kennedy says it will save a new business considerable upfront costs, in a press release.
“This is a tool that many communities in the State of Ohio are utilizing to help attract new restaurants to the area as part of larger scale redevelopment of the business corridor,” Kennedy said.
The proposal includes 10 new DFJ permits, or licenses, that will allow 10 new retail food establishments to sell liquor. The Community Entertainment District will be in the 54-acre area between the intersection of West Loveland Avenue to the Kroger at 800 Loveland-Madeira Road.
Permits will only be available within the boundaries of the Community Entertainment District but all 10 permits will not have to be used.
“This could expand the corridor’s opportunities for dining and entertainment-type businesses,” added Kennedy. “Think of your average sit-down, family style, chain restaurant nowadays. They all feature alcohol on their menus. Currently, the cost to get a liquor license may prohibit restaurants like this from coming to Loveland.”
Right now, any new restaurant establishment looking to open its doors with the Loveland-Madeira Road Corridor would face costs of up to $30,000 for a liquor permit. In the Community Entertainment District, the liquor permit will cost the standard state fee of $2,440.
Council will need to approve the proposal before Kennedy sends the application to the state. He says he is not sure how long the process will take.
Loveland City council will conduct a hearing on Sept. 28 to allow public comments during the regular council meeting, which starts at 7 p.m. in City Council Chambers, 120 W. Loveland Ave.
Contact Briana Rice at 513-568-3496 or brice@enquirer.com. Follow her on Twitter at @BriRiceWrites.
