BOWLING GREEN, Ohio — Bowling Green Green City Council chambers filled with murmurs, whispers and even laughter when council members discussed a request for a new liquor permit at its meeting Monday night.
Council members talked about the request from Bob Evans, seeking permission to serve wine and mixed beverages at its restaurant at 1726 E. Wooster St.
The application goes through the State of Ohio and must be approved by the Division of Liquor Control in the Ohio Department of Commerce.
"On any given day your list of 'things I expect to hear today,' Bob Evans asking for a liquor permit is way down on that list," council president Mark Hollenbaugh told WTOL 11.
Hollenbaugh said he isn't surprised by much these days but learning of the chain's request was certainly a double-take situation.
"An audible noise arose over the crowd that was kind of a combination of nervous chatter and laughter," he said.
Upon discussing the issue, those in attendance begin to chuckle, whisper and speak softly among one another.
At that point, Hollenbaugh addressed the crowd, saying, "I, too, am intrigued to know what's happening at Bob Evans. I don't know if white or red goes with chicken fried steak."
Council says it checked the records with the city's zoning department and nothing detrimental was noted.
This concept is not unique to the Bowling Green location. In fact, these liquor license applications are popping up at Bob Evans restaurants all over Ohio. The state department of commerce is currently processing seven Bob Evans liquor licenses this week alone.
While Hollenbaugh said Bowling Green has no say in the matter, he's all for increasing foot traffic.
"In general though, you know, anything that a local business feels will improve their business, I'm all for that," he told WTOL 11.
The council proceedings can be watched below: