City Council looking at Community Entertainment Districts to streamline liquor licenses

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) - At Monday’s city council meeting, council members decided to put the proposal to create 7 new community entertainment districts under consideration at the next meeting. “We want to grow downtown, we want to grow our entertainment districts. We want to bring people to Toledo and let them know what gem we have here,” says Councilwoman Vanice Williams. “I picture people walking, going everywhere. Shops, retail, restaurants, events. I picture so much for downtown and I am so excited.”

The proposal involves creating CEDs in Uptown, Midtown, Northern, Warehouse, Middle Ground, Eastern, and Central Business Districts. Cindy Kurr is the President of Connect Toledo, she says creating the districts will help streamline the liquor license process for businesses in and coming to those areas. “Liquor licenses and their availability spur development. So right now Lucas County has a shortage of them, and what we’re talking to City Council about today is increasing their availability,” says Kurr. “Liquor licenses and their availability spur development. So right now Lucas County has a shortage of them, and what we’re talking to City Council about today is increasing their availability.”

“The whole CED, community entertainment district, has to evolve with it because without those added tools you can’t continue to bring masses and choices downtown which it needs to be successful in the region,” says Kevin Prater, the property developer behind the Standart and Berdan in Downtown Toledo.

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