Strickland says no to state fair alcohol sales
5/23/2007COLUMBUS - Alcohol sales will not be allowed at the Ohio State Fair, Gov. Ted Strickland announced yesterday, striking down proposals to start some beer and wine sales.
"I made this decision with an eye toward protecting the tradition of a family-friendly environment at the state fair," the Democratic governor said. "I am not convinced that any proposals I've seen would meet the standards Ohioans have come to expect of their state fair."
The Ohio Expositions Commission had been planning to review four proposals at a meeting Thursday that would have allowed some form of beer or wine sales during the 12-day event, which opens Aug. 1.
Mr. Strickland's edict would not affect alcohol sales allowed at a final-day concert the fair hosts at nearby Columbus Crew soccer stadium.