Colony may seek liquor license

In order to help raise some additional funds for preserving an uptown Hillsboro landmark, the Board of Trustees of The Colony Theatre is exploring alternative options to bring in revenue, which includes investigating the process of obtaining a liquor license.

Colony board member Bob Lambert said the board has begun renting out the Colony space for private events, and they are looking for ways to increase the funds the concerts and other programming bring in.

Lambert, who is also the historical society president and director of the Highland County Convention and Visitors’ Bureau, said that area resident Bud Strausbaugh and the motorcycle group Steel Reveille approached him about holding a fundraising bike rally for the Highland County Historical Society.

Lambert said that it seemed like a great opportunity to utilize the theatre space, raise money for some local non-profit organizations, all while bringing people to the Uptown area.

“They wanted to have a bike rally and a concert, and since I am on the board at both places, I thought, why not have the music at The Colony and then just have the bike rally there? Then, the society will share the funds with The Colony.”

“It’s a joint fundraiser, and we’ll have a bike rally through town. Bud is just kind of coordinating with The Colony and they have three or four bands scheduled. They’re expecting 300-400 bikers, so it’s going to be a pretty good crowd.”

Steel Reveille, Lambert said, is attempting to obtain a temporary permit that would allow them to sell beer at the theatre on a one-time basis.

“They are going to get a temporary permit just for the event,” Lambert said. “It will be just for beer, and there won’t be any hard liquor.”

Depending on the public response to the event, Lambert said the board is considering the steps to obtain a permanent liquor license for the theatre.

However, Lambert said they want to remain respectful of Hillsboro’s history and culture, while exploring every avenue of bringing in additional funds.

“Hillsboro is the home of the temperance movement,” Lambert said. “We’re not looking to create a trouble spot in town. We looking for another opportunity. We’re looking at perhaps a beer and wine license. When you look at the finances, you can sell alcoholic beverages for more than soft drinks, and possibly make more money. The Colony is in desperate need of
restoration. We have a new board in place, and we’re working hard to secure funding. A lot will depend on the comments and feedback and community support we get (for the bike rally). We’re just going to try it for a while and see how it goes.”

Lambert said that there are less restrictions for the temporary license to sell beer, and more stringent regulations on an actual liquor license.

Both types of licenses, he said, go through the Ohio Liquor Control Commission.

“The chief of police has to OK it, and there are some hoops to jump through,” Lambert said. “A temporary vendor permit is a lot different than a liquor license. It’s just an option we’re looking at. It can get a little more expensive if you’re selling beer and wine, but perhaps we can bring in bigger crowds. We’re going to try it.”

The board pays approximately $1,200 a month for utilities and insurance on the theatre, Lambert said, and it is run by volunteers, with a few exceptions of temporarily contracted staff for certain events.

The Colony, which was built in 1938, is an asset to Hillsboro, Lambert said, and the community needs to take advantage of it.

For more information on renting the venue, contact Lambert at (937) 509-6058.