West Chester Twp. considers two community entertainment districts

.WEST CHESTER TWP. – The establishment of two additional community entertainment districts would make it easier, and cheaper, for new West Chester Townshipip companies to obtain liquor licenses.

Currently, there are no traditional D-5 permits, which allow the sale of beer, wine and mixed drinks, available for issuance by the Ohio Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control based on the township’s population, officials said.

New companies would have to purchase licenses from current permit holders elsewhere, likely at a higher cost. That was the case 15 months ago when Laura’s Roadhouse opened.

Intra-district permit holders could purchase a D5-j permit, only available in a community entertainment district, at a lower cost, allowing you to sell your existing D-5 permit to a new establishment elsewhere in the borough.

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“We are making sure that there is no impediment for other restaurants, or even more hotels, to come in and get their liquor licenses,” said manager Mark Welch.

Each community entertainment district is allowed one D5-j license for five acres, with a limit of 15 licenses per district, said Katy Kanelopoulos, the township’s economic development manager.

“Each of these districts will have 15 new licenses… We will have a lot of liquor licenses for years to come.” Welch said.

Under Ohio law, trustees can establish a community entertainment district once the owner…