We know this: being outside in fresh air is one of the best ways to avoid Covid-19. We also know that sitting inside a room with poor airflow, no matter how socially-distanced you are, is an excellent way to catch and spread covid. 

Yet, it is still illegal  to consume an adult beverage in public outdoor spaces. I have never understood this law in the first place and now it’s not just a nuisance, it's a dangerous policy. I’ll give you some specific spots in Columbus, OH where eliminating this suddenly arcane law would have a positive effect.

Easton Town Center. I used to play solo gigs at the World of Beer at Easton and still know a couple of the owners. Needless to say, they are hurting, along with most of the other tenants at the mall. Half-capacity doesn’t cover the rent and evidence shows that most people aren’t going to sit inside anyway, no matter what the mandate is. Why not allow folks to buy a drink at World of Beer (or anywhere)  and walk around Easton Town Center outside? You know, like the French Quarter or the rest of the world except the USA. Why can I have a sip of beer on one side of a door but the second I move three feet into the fresh air I’m a criminal? Don’t we want people outside while the weather is still decent? This can only help merchants and make it safer for customers. Win - win. 

The Oval at Ohio State University. Shocking, eh?  I know, hear me out. Look folks, the kids are going to party no matter what anyone says. Or as Bryan Adams once said, “Everywhere I go, the kids wanna rock.” It can happen inside a crowded bar or it can happen outside. Designate certain times when the Oval is basically a free zone for students.  Keep your space and don’t get too crazy and we will leave you alone. It would also be a healthy break for kids stuck taking online classes but still staying in a dorm with no place to go (and paying full tuition while they’re at it). With libraries closed, students sitting in their dorm room staring at a screen all day cannot be great for mental health.

Goodale Park and High Street. This is a no-brainer. Get your drinks to go, walk outside and visit the park if you want. Not saying everyone would do it, but as an option it could only help. I know people do this anyway, but make it official policy. And the cops and folks don’t need one more thing to argue about. Just make it legal already. 

Let’s wrap this up. Open container laws make zero sense in the pandemic world in which we are living and need to be reevaluated  ASAP.   Let’s combine the outdoor space available with people’s natural desire to blow off steam and have some laughs. There is no downside. It’s free and easy to do, and the upside is healthy for both people and the economy. 

Colin Gawel wrote this at Colin’s Coffee for Pencilstorm. Click here to watch his solo show for CAPA last June.