Oberlin grad tries to win liquor license for restaurant

Local entrepreneur and Oberlin College graduate Joseph Waltzer '97 hopes to fulfill his dream of owning a restaurant, as well as help the downtown business district of Oberlin.

Waltzer has been working intensely since early July in an attempt to finalize plans for his new eatery, a restaurant called the Black River Café.

Waltzer has been trying to obtain a liquor license and has encountered various hurdles in his attempt to be the second provider of wine, beer and spirits in town. Oberlin's "dry laws," dating back to Prohibition, have made it almost impossible for downtown Oberlin to profit from a restaurant that serves alcoholic beverages.

"We, the residents, are the ones who would ultimately benefit if people decided to do their business closer to home," said Waltzer.

The process of obtaining a liquor license has been complex and time-consuming. Waltzer insists that it is an important part of success in the restaurant business.

Waltzer and one other businessman, Jai Wei, owner of Wei's Tea and Noodle House on W. College St., have gotten their proposals for liquor licenses placed on the Nov. 3 ballot. Both are waiting for the upcoming election to determine the fate of their plans.

Aspiring businesses must first send a statement of intention to the State Department of Liquor Control. Waltzer completed this in early July in order to ensure he would have time to gather the 137 signatures from voters within the political precinct. The department then reviews those signatures, which must be approved before the proposition arrives before the Board of Elections, who then determines whether or not the issue will be placed on the ballot.

Currently, only one business in Oberlin holds the kind of license that Waltzer and Wei are seeking. The Oberlin Inn, which is owned and operated by Oberlin College, was able to attain a liquor license in 1985 under a revision in the Ohio Revised Code. This legislation allows a hotel or motel of at least 50 rooms to apply for a license, pending the approval of voters in the affected political precinct. It differs from the previous law, which required a city-wide vote for approval.

The process is more difficult for other businesses. Robert Jackimowicz, the Director of Economic and Housing Development for the city of Oberlin, explained that Oberlin's historic "dry laws" are behind the extensive application process which contemporary businesses must follow.

The temperance movement swept through Ohio in the 1830's. During that period, Oberlin decided to adopt laws similar to those which were popular in other parts of the United States. Prohibition was federally declared in 1887 and those laws became more strict and focused on abstinence instead of moderation.

"Oberlin was once a venerable hotseat for the temperance movement," Professor of History Marcia Colish said.

Oberlin is one of the few communities where dry laws remain intact because of local voter initiative. Aside from the Oberlin Inn's permit, a 1993 legislative provision allowed for the sale of alcoholic beverages containing less than 4 percent alcohol.

This softer beer is the only loophole in the dry policy, and even it is extremely limited. Waltzer said he is not seeking to demolish the laws which have kept levels of alcohol abuse low. He said his intention is to promote business in an already depressed economy. He also insists he understands the legitimate fear that some people hold of downtown degenerating into a mess of clubs and bars.

"I realize that those are valid concerns, but my goal is to provide a unique type of experience for people, especially those who would otherwise go somewhere else, outside town, because they couldn't get a glass of wine with their dinner. "

Waltzer chose to remain in Oberlin after college because he loved the town and wanted to help ensure its prosperity. "Now is my chance to prove it," he said.

Hey bartender: Soon the Oberlin Inn may not be the only place to order liquor by the drink if a recent Oberlin grad gets his way. (photo by Beth O'Brien)