Akron, Ohio, activists aim for ban on liquor
Local community activists in Akron, Ohio, aim to ban liquor in three city wards, but not if bar owners can help it. On Wednesday, business owners declared war on the community activists who are collecting signatures to get a liquor ban on the November ballot in 14 precincts near downtown Akron. The activists are worried about noise, drugs and public urination and the business owners are worried about their livelihoods. Right now, the most contested issues will be at the bars, drive-throughs, convenience stores and gas stations that sell beer, wine and liquor, with the business owners worrying that the campaign could affect as many as 80 businesses and put hundreds of employees out of work. Activists say they just want residents to be able to live in peace. But, no matter what happens, the drive won’t affect bars and other businesses in downtown Akron’s newly created entertainment district, thanks to legislation passed last month. http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/news/9439322.htm