The rioters who ransacked Over-the-Rhine nearly two months ago did more than break windows, set fires, loot stores and pull motorists from their cars.

        They also left behind a lingering fear that is causing business to drop by more than 50 percent at some Main Street bars and restaurants.

        Matt DeChagas, owner of the BarrelHouse Brewery on 12th Street, said sales have dropped by about 30 percent since the rioting that erupted April 10-11. But others along the once-bustling entertainment corridor, he said, are posting losses of “50, even 70 percent.”

        “I think we are here to stay, but it's tough,” he said. “We have to get them back.”

        Look for City Hall to offer some help. On Monday, Mayor Charlie Luken proposed cutting the amount that the city charges for off-duty police officers to guard businesses and their parking lots in Over-the-Rhine from $300,000 to $100,000. City Council is expected to act on Mr. Luken's request later this month.

        City officials are determined to make sure small-business owners along Main Street and throughout Over-the-Rhine “do not become the victims of what happened here in April,” the mayor said at a lunchtime promotion called “Munchin' on Main.”

        His initiative and the promotion are aimed at restoring public confidence in downtown and particularly Over-the-Rhine.

        The worst violence and race riots to unfold in Cincinnati since 1968 erupted in the historic but impoverished neighborhood after the April 7 death of 19-year-old Timothy Thomas.

        The unarmed black man, wanted on multiple misdemeanor warrants, led police on a foot chase through Over-the-Rhine before being shot by Officer Stephen Roach. He is accused of negligent homicide and obstructing official business in Mr. Thomas' death. Both charges are misdemeanors.

        Although the city has not studied the economic loss for Main Street bars and restaurants and other Over-the-Rhine businesses, Mr. Luken said he's certain merchants are struggling.

        “The business owners can see it, but it's hard to quantify,” Mr. Luken said. “These people depend on foot traffic and they're not getting it. These businesses have been damaged by the events of the past few weeks. What I would like to see happen is for people to make a point of coming to the bars and restaurants here to show support.”

        Nothing would make Clarence Shaw, general manager of the Courtyard Cafe on Main, happier. April's unrest has not affected his lunchtime crowd that much, he said. Workers from the Hamilton County courthouse, county offices, the Kroger building and Over-the-Rhine businesses still make the lunch-hour walk to his place.

        But it's a different story after sunset.

        “We have always gotten people from all over town at night,” Mr. Shaw said. “And it is an older crowd. They just aren't showing up.

        “A lot of the places here on Main Street get a younger crowd, and young people aren't afraid of anything; they think they are invincible,” Mr. Shaw said. “Our people will be harder to get back. But we are going to keep trying.”

        That persistence is a large reason why Mr. Shaw, Mr. DeChagas and the owners of three other Over-the-Rhine restaurants — Kaldi's Coffee House & Bookstore, Nicola's Ristorante and The Diner on Sycamore — have come together for this summer's “Munchin' on Main” promotion.

        It's aimed at drawing more downtown workers and others to a part of town where business in general has fallen.

        “People want to feel they are going to be safe,” Mr. Shaw said Monday as the Courtyard's lunch crowd thinned and diners lingered over iced tea and coffee.

        “The fact is, they are; they are in no more danger coming down here now than they were a few months ago,” Mr. Shaw said. “The trick now is convincing them of that.”

        Internet company Planet Feedback, with its corporate headquarters on the fourth floor of a century-old Main Street office building, is coordinating the “Munchin” campaign for the restaurants.

        Downtown companies and government agencies are being urged to advertise a series of luncheon specials at the restaurants to employees via e-mail.

        “We chose to put our business here because there is excitement here,” said Pete Blackshaw, CEO of Planet Feedback. “We want to see businesses here succeed.”

        Mr. Luken's proposal Monday was applauded by the Main Street merchants. However, Mr. DeChagas said he would like to see more on-duty officers on the street.

        “There are constantly police in cruisers going around the block, but I'd like to see more police walking the beat,” Mr. DeChagas said.

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