Ohio bill would let local governments authorize Sunday liquor sales without a ballot issue

House Bill 387, a proposal to let local governments opt in to Sunday liquor sales without sending the question to a local ballot, was given a first hearing Tuesday before the Ohio House Agriculture Committee.

Representative Jack Siegrist and Representative Jack Daniels, joint sponsors, told the committee the bill would allow permit holders who already sell wine, spirits, and mixed beverages Monday through Saturday to receive Sunday liquor privileges from the Ohio Department of Liquor Control if their township, village, or municipal legislative authority adopts an ordinance or resolution doing so.

The bill’s sponsors said the change is permissive and preserves local control. “This bill is pro-business, pro-consumer, and pro-tourism,” Representative Jack Siegrist said during sponsor testimony. Representative Jack Daniels said the measure is…