Explanation
Background: This ordinance will authorize the Director of Recreation and Parks to enter into a public private partnership agreement with BICHHU, LLC (Amara Restaurant) and Downtown Columbus Inc. (DCI) to temporarily extend Amara’s liquor permit to Bicentennial Park property for up to 19 CRPD and DCI community events being held in the park during 2026.
CRPD shares maintenance and operational responsibilities with DCI for Bicentennial Park - requiring a tripartite partnership agreement with DCI to authorize Amara to temporarily extend their liquor permit premises to Bicentennial Park.
BICHHU, LLC, operator of the new park restaurant Amara, will work with the State of Ohio Division of Liquor Control to temporarily extend their liquor permit, as outlined in ORC 4303.188, on the agreed upon dates for the purpose of making DORA beverages available, in a convenient location, to enhance attendee experiences at these events. Under ORC 4303.188, the State requires written consent from the City to be submitted by the permit holder with their request to temporarily extend their liquor permit premises. This agreement will serve as evidence of written consent by the City. BICHHU, LLC will provide trained staff, all product to be sold, and list the City as an additional insured.
Principal Parties:
BICHHU, LLC
229 Civic Center Drive
Columbus OH, 43215
Joshua Dalton - 614-595-8240
Emergency Justification: The Amara restaurant entered its lease in March 2026 and is just now ready to enter into agreement with CRPD. It must be passed as emergency in time for Amara to file for State permits and obtain equipment required to conduct the sale of beverages by May 23, 2026.
Bid Waiver Justification: ORC 4303.188 will only authorize qualifying license holder’s to temporarily expand onto adjacent public property. Due to geographical location of the restaurant, Amara is the only qualifying license holder that can ...
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