Chapter 4301 | Liquor Control Law

Section 4301.01 | Liquor control definitions.

• Effective: March 23, 2022
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 102 - 134th General Assembly

(A) As used in the Revised Code:

(1) "Intoxicating liquor" and "liquor" include all liquids and compounds, other than beer, containing one-half of one per cent or more of alcohol by volume which are fit to use for beverage purposes, from whatever source and by whatever process produced, by whatever name called, and whether they are medicated, proprietary, or patented. "Intoxicating liquor" and "liquor" include cider and alcohol, and all solids and confections which contain one-half of one per cent or more of alcohol by volume.

(2) Except as used in sections 4301.01 to 4301.20, 4301.22 to 4301.52, 4301.56, 4301.70, 4301.72, and 4303.01 to 4303.36 of the Revised Code, "sale" and "sell" include exchange, barter, gift, offer for sale, sale, distribution and delivery of any kind, and the transfer of title or possession of beer and intoxicating liquor either by constructive or actual delivery by any means or devices whatever, including the sale of beer or intoxicating liquor by means of a controlled access alcohol and beverage cabinet pursuant to section 4301.21 of the Revised Code. "Sale" and "sell" do not include the mere solicitation of orders for beer or intoxicating liquor from the holders of permits issued by the division of liquor control authorizing the sale of the beer or intoxicating liquor, but no solicitor shall solicit any such orders until the solicitor has been registered with the division pursuant to section 4303.25 of the Revised Code.

(3) "Vehicle" includes all means of transportation by land, by water, or by air, and everything made use of in any way for such transportation.

(B) As used in this chapter:

(1) "Alcohol" means ethyl alcohol, whether rectified or diluted with water or not, whatever its origin may be, and includes synthetic ethyl alcohol. "Alcohol" does not include denatured alcohol and wood alcohol.

(2) "Beer" includes all beverages brewed or fermented wholly or in part from malt products and containing one-half of one per cent or more of alcohol by volume.

(3) "Wine" includes all liquids fit to use for beverage purposes containing not less than one-half of one per cent of alcohol by volume and not more than twenty-one per cent of alcohol by volume that is made from the fermented juices of grapes, fruits, or other agricultural products. "Wine" includes cider, except as used in sections 4301.13, 4301.421, 4301.422, 4301.432, and 4301.44 of the Revised Code, and, for purposes of determining the rate of the tax that applies, division (B) of section 4301.43 of the Revised Code, "wine" does not include cider.

(4) "Mixed beverages" include bottled and prepared cordials, cocktails, highballs, and solids and confections that are obtained by mixing any type of whiskey, neutral spirits, brandy, gin, or other distilled spirits with, or over, carbonated or plain water, pure juices from flowers and plants, and other flavoring materials. The completed product shall contain not less than one-half of one per cent of alcohol by volume and not more than twenty-one per cent of alcohol by volume. "Mixed beverages" includes the contents of a pod.

(5) "Spirituous liquor" includes all intoxicating liquors containing more than twenty-one per cent of alcohol by volume. "Spirituous liquor" does not include the contents of a pod.

(6) "Sealed container" means any container having a capacity of not more than one hundred twenty-eight fluid ounces, the opening of which is closed to prevent the entrance of air.

(7) "Person" includes firms and corporations.

(8) "Manufacture" includes all processes by which beer or intoxicating liquor is produced, whether by distillation, rectifying, fortifying, blending, fermentation, or brewing, or in any other manner.

(9) "Manufacturer" means any person engaged in the business of manufacturing beer or intoxicating liquor.

(10) "Wholesale distributor" and "distributor" means a person engaged in the business of selling to retail dealers for purposes of resale.

(11) "Hotel" has the same meaning as in section 3731.01 of the Revised Code, subject to the exceptions mentioned in section 3731.03 of the Revised Code.

(12) "Restaurant" means a place located in a permanent building provided with space and accommodations wherein, in consideration of the payment of money, hot meals are habitually prepared, sold, and served at noon and evening, as the principal business of the place. "Restaurant" does not include pharmacies, confectionery stores, lunch stands, night clubs, and filling stations.

(13) "Club" means a corporation or association of individuals organized in good faith for social, recreational, benevolent, charitable, fraternal, political, patriotic, or athletic purposes, which is the owner, lessor, or occupant of a permanent building or part of a permanent building operated solely for those purposes, membership in which entails the prepayment of regular dues, and includes the place so operated.

(14) "Night club" means a place operated for profit, where food is served for consumption on the premises and one or more forms of amusement are provided or permitted for a consideration that may be in the form of a cover charge or may be included in the price of the food and beverages, or both, purchased by patrons.

(15) "At retail" means for use or consumption by the purchaser and not for resale.

(16) "Pharmacy" means an establishment, as defined in section 4729.01 of the Revised Code, that is under the management or control of a licensed pharmacist in accordance with section 4729.27 of the Revised Code.

(17) "Enclosed shopping center" means a group of retail sales and service business establishments that face into an enclosed mall, share common ingress, egress, and parking facilities, and are situated on a tract of land that contains an area of not less than five hundred thousand square feet. "Enclosed shopping center" also includes not more than one business establishment that is located within a free-standing building on such a tract of land, so long as the sale of beer and intoxicating liquor on the tract of land was approved in an election held under former section 4301.353 of the Revised Code.

(18) "Controlled access alcohol and beverage cabinet" means a closed container, either refrigerated, in whole or in part, or nonrefrigerated, access to the interior of which is restricted by means of a device that requires the use of a key, magnetic card, or similar device and from which beer, intoxicating liquor, other beverages, or food may be sold.

(19) "Community facility" means either of the following:

(a) Any convention, sports, or entertainment facility or complex, or any combination of these, that is used by or accessible to the general public and that is owned or operated in whole or in part by the state, a state agency, or a political subdivision of the state or that is leased from, or located on property owned by or leased from, the state, a state agency, a political subdivision of the state, or a convention facilities authority created pursuant to section 351.02 of the Revised Code;

(b) An area designated as a community entertainment district pursuant to section 4301.80 of the Revised Code.

(20) "Low-alcohol beverage" means any brewed or fermented malt product, or any product made from the fermented juices of grapes, fruits, or other agricultural products, that contains either no alcohol or less than one-half of one per cent of alcohol by volume. The beverages described in division (B)(20) of this section do not include a soft drink such as root beer, birch beer, or ginger beer.

(21) "Cider" means all liquids fit to use for beverage purposes that contain one-half of one per cent of alcohol by volume, but not more than six per cent of alcohol by weight, and that are made through the normal alcoholic fermentation of the juice of sound, ripe apples, including, without limitation, flavored, sparkling, or carbonated cider and cider made from pure condensed apple must.

(22) "Sales area or territory" means an exclusive geographic area or territory that is assigned to a particular A or B permit holder and that either has one or more political subdivisions as its boundaries or consists of an area of land with readily identifiable geographic boundaries. "Sales area or territory" does not include, however, any particular retail location in an exclusive geographic area or territory that had been assigned to another A or B permit holder before April 9, 2001.

(23) "Pod" means a sealed capsule made from plastic, glass, aluminum, or a combination thereof to which all of the following apply:

(a) The capsule contains intoxicating liquor of more than twenty-one per cent of alcohol by volume.

(b) The capsule also contains a concentrated flavoring mixture.

(c) The contents of the capsule are not readily accessible or intended for consumption unless certain manufacturer's processing instructions are followed.

(d) The instructions include releasing the contents of the capsule through a machine specifically designed to process the contents.

(e) After being properly processed according to the manufacturer's instructions, the final product produced from the capsule contains not less than one-half of one per cent of alcohol by volume and not more than twenty-one per cent of alcohol by volume.

Last updated January 13, 2022 at 11:57 AM

Section 4301.011 | General Assembly finding - sole and exclusive regulation of alcohol.

• Effective: April 12, 2021
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 674 - 133rd General Assembly

The general assembly hereby finds that the Twenty-first Amendment to the United States Constitution confers upon the state of Ohio sole and exclusive authority to regulate the sale and distribution of beer and intoxicating liquor in this state. That authority, so conferred, has rested with the state of Ohio since the ratification of the Twenty-first Amendment to the United States Constitution.

The general assembly also finds that its authority to so regulate is exercised through Title XLIII of the Revised Code and other relevant provisions of the Revised Code. Title XLIII of the Revised Code and the other relevant provisions of the Revised Code reflect the intent of the general assembly to do all of the following:

(A) Promote temperance by preventing consumption by underage persons and by discouraging abusive consumption;

(B) Promote orderly markets by requiring transparent, accountable, and stable distribution of beer and intoxicating liquor and preventing unfair competition;

(C) Facilitate the collection of taxes related to the sale and consumption of beer and intoxicating liquor.

Section 4301.02 | Division of liquor control organization.

• Effective: July 1, 1997
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 162 - 121st General Assembly

The division of liquor control consists of the superintendent of liquor control appointed by the director of commerce and such deputies, chiefs, agents, and employees as the director of commerce shall appoint to administer the various functions of the division, including but not limited to, the operation of a beer and wine section and the issuance of permits. The deputies and chiefs shall serve in the unclassified civil service.

Section 4301.021 | Superintendent of liquor control powers.

• Effective: June 30, 1999
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 163 - 123rd General Assembly

The superintendent of liquor control shall exercise all powers and perform all duties created and enjoined by Chapters 4301. and 4303. of the Revised Code, except for the powers and duties vested in and enjoined upon the liquor control commission by section 4301.022 of the Revised Code and all chapters and sections of the Revised Code referred to in that section, and except for the powers and duties vested in the department of public safety under sections 5502.13 to 5502.19 of the Revised Code and all provisions of the Revised Code referred to in those sections that relate to liquor control enforcement.

Section 4301.022 | Liquor control commission.

• Effective: December 23, 1986
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 428 - 116th General Assembly

The liquor control commission consists of three commissioners, not more than two of whom shall be of the same political party, who shall be appointed by the governor, with the advice and consent of the senate. Terms of office shall be for six years, commencing on the ninth day of February and ending on the eighth day of February, except that upon expiration of the term ending February 12, 1979, the new term which succeeds it shall commence on February 13, 1979 and end on February 8, 1985. Each member shall hold office from the date of his appointment until the end of the term for which he was appointed. Any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which his predecessor was appointed shall hold office for the remainder of such term. Any member shall continue in office subsequent to the expiration date of his term until his successor takes office, or until a period of sixty days has elapsed, whichever occurs first.

A vacancy in the office of a member of the commission shall be filled pursuant to section 3.03 of the Revised Code.

The governor shall select a member of the commission to be its chairman and a second member of the commission to be its vice-chairman. The governor may remove a member of the commission at any time for misfeasance, nonfeasance, or malfeasance in office. The commission shall appoint an executive secretary and such other employees as it considers necessary to carry out its powers and duties.

The governor shall designate the chairman and vice-chairman at the time of making the original appointment of members of the commission, at the time thereafter of making an appointment of any member for a full term, and at the time of any vacancy in the office of chairman or vice-chairman.

Section 4301.03 | Liquor control commission rules.

• Effective: March 23, 2022
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 102 - 134th General Assembly

The liquor control commission may adopt and promulgate, repeal, rescind, and amend, in the manner required by this section, rules, standards, requirements, and orders necessary to carry out this chapter and Chapter 4303. of the Revised Code, but all rules of the board of liquor control that were in effect immediately prior to April 17, 1963, shall remain in full force and effect as rules of the liquor control commission until and unless amended or repealed by the liquor control commission. The rules of the commission may include the following:

(A) Rules with reference to applications for and the issuance of permits for the manufacture, distribution, transportation, and sale of beer and intoxicating liquor, and the sale of alcohol; and rules governing the procedure of the division of liquor control in the suspension, revocation, and cancellation of those permits;

(B) Rules and orders providing in detail for the conduct of any retail business authorized under permits issued pursuant to this chapter and Chapter 4303. of the Revised Code, with a view to ensuring compliance with those chapters and laws relative to them, and the maintenance of public decency, sobriety, and good order in any place licensed under the permits. No rule or order shall prohibit the operation of video lottery terminal games at a commercial race track where live horse racing and simulcasting are conducted in accordance with Chapter 3769. of the Revised Code or the sale of lottery tickets issued pursuant to Chapter 3770. of the Revised Code by any retail business authorized under permits issued pursuant to that chapter.

No rule or order shall prohibit pari-mutuel wagering on simulcast horse races at a satellite facility that has been issued a D liquor permit under Chapter 4303. of the Revised Code. No rule or order shall prohibit a charitable organization that holds a D-4 permit from selling or serving beer or intoxicating liquor under its permit in a portion of its premises merely because that portion of its premises is used for the conduct of a bingo game, as described in division (O) of section 2915.01 of the Revised Code. As used in this division, "charitable organization" has the same meaning as in division (H) of section 2915.01 of the Revised Code. No rule or order pertaining to visibility into the premises of a permit holder after the legal hours of sale shall be adopted or maintained by the commission.

(C) Standards, not in conflict with those prescribed by any law of this state or the United States, to secure the use of proper ingredients and methods in the manufacture of beer, mixed beverages, and wine to be sold within this state;

(D) Rules determining the nature, form, and capacity of all packages and bottles to be used for containing beer or intoxicating liquor, except for spirituous liquor to be kept or sold, governing the form of all seals and labels to be used on those packages and bottles;

(E) Rules requiring the label on every package, bottle, and container to state all of the following, as applicable:

(1) The ingredients in the contents;

(2) Except for beer, the terms of weight, volume, or proof spirits;

(3) Except for spirituous liquor, whether the product is beer, wine, alcohol, or any intoxicating liquor;

(4) Regarding beer that contains more than twelve per cent of alcohol by volume, the percentage of alcohol by volume and that the beer is a "high alcohol beer."

(F) Uniform rules governing all advertising with reference to the sale of beer and intoxicating liquor throughout the state and advertising upon and in the premises licensed for the sale of beer or intoxicating liquor;

(G) Rules restricting and placing conditions upon the transfer of permits;

(H) Rules and orders limiting the number of permits of any class within the state or within any political subdivision of the state; and, for that purpose, adopting reasonable classifications of persons or establishments to which any authorized class of permits may be issued within any political subdivision;

(I) Rules and orders with reference to the hours of the day during which and the persons to whom intoxicating liquor of any class may be sold, and rules with reference to the manner of sale;

(J) Rules requiring permit holders buying beer to pay and permit holders selling beer to collect minimum cash deposits for kegs, cases, bottles, or other returnable containers of the beer; requiring the repayment, or credit, of the minimum cash deposit charges upon the return of the empty containers; and requiring the posting of such form of indemnity or such other conditions with respect to the charging, collection, and repayment of minimum cash deposit charges for returnable containers of beer as are necessary to ensure the return of the empty containers or the repayment upon that return of the minimum cash deposits paid;

(K) Rules establishing the method by which alcohol products may be imported for sale by wholesale distributors and the method by which manufacturers and suppliers may sell alcohol products to wholesale distributors.

Every rule, standard, requirement, or order of the commission and every repeal, amendment, or rescission of them shall be posted for public inspection in the principal office of the commission and the principal office of the division of liquor control, and a certified copy of them shall be filed in the office of the secretary of state. An order applying only to persons named in it shall be served on the persons affected by personal delivery of a certified copy, or by mailing a certified copy to each person affected by it or, in the case of a corporation, to any officer or agent of the corporation upon whom a service of summons may be served in a civil action. The posting and filing required by this section constitutes sufficient notice to all persons affected by such rule or order which is not required to be served. General rules of the commission promulgated pursuant to this section shall be published in the manner the commission determines.

Last updated January 13, 2022 at 11:57 AM

Section 4301.04 | Liquor control commission powers.

• Effective: July 1, 2009
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 525 - 127th General Assembly

The liquor control commission has the following powers which it may exercise by the vote of a majority of the commissioners:

(A) To suspend, revoke, and cancel permits. A majority of the commissioners constitutes a quorum for the transaction of any business, for the performance of any duty, or for the exercise of any power of the commission. No vacancy in the commission shall impair the right of the remaining commissioners to exercise all powers of the commission. The act of a majority of the commission, when in session, is the act of the commission. A finding, order, or decision of the commission to suspend a permit shall state and fix the effective date of the commencement and the period of duration of such suspension. Such finding, order, or decision of the commission to revoke or cancel a permit shall state and fix the effective date thereof.

(B) To consider, hear, and determine all appeals authorized by Chapters 4301. and 4303. of the Revised Code, to be taken from any decision, determination, or order of the division of liquor control, and all complaints for the revocation of permits. The liquor control commission shall accord a hearing to any person appealing or complained against, at which such person has the right to be present, to be represented by counsel, to offer evidence, and to require the attendance of witnesses.

(C) To adopt, repeal, and amend bylaws in relation to its meetings and the transaction of its business and regulating its procedure on appeal.

(D) To consider and make recommendations upon any matter which the superintendent of liquor control submits to it for recommendation and determine any matter which the superintendent submits to it for determination.

(E) To require of the superintendent and of any officer, department, board, or commission of the state of any county, township, or municipal officer in this state, information with respect to the social and economic effects of such chapters; and all such officers, departments, boards, and commissions shall furnish such information when requested in writing by the liquor control commission.

(F) To submit to the governor amendments to any laws affecting the sale of intoxicating liquor in this state when it deems desirable.

(G) For the purpose of any hearing or investigation which they are respectively authorized or required by such chapters to conduct, the liquor control commission or any member thereof, the superintendent, or any agent of the division designated in writing for that purpose, may administer oaths, take depositions, issue subpoenas, compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of books, accounts, papers, records, documents, and testimony. In case of disobedience of any person with respect to an order of the commission or a subpoena issued by the liquor control commission or any member thereof, the superintendent or such agent, or on the refusal of a witness to testify to any matter regarding which the witness may be lawfully interrogated, a judge of the court of common pleas of the county in which the person resides, on application of any member of the liquor control commission or the superintendent, shall compel obedience by attachment proceedings as for contempt, as in the case of disobedience with respect to the requirements of a subpoena issued from such court or a refusal to testify in such court. Each officer who serves such subpoena shall receive the same fees as a sheriff, and each witness who appears, in obedience to a subpoena, before the liquor control commission or any member thereof, or the superintendent, shall receive for attendance the fees and mileage provided for under section 119.094 of the Revised Code, which shall be audited and paid upon presentation of proper vouchers approved by any two members of the commission. No witness subpoenaed at the instance of a party other than the liquor control commission or any member thereof, the superintendent, or such agent, is entitled to compensation unless the commission certifies that the testimony of the witness was material to the matter investigated.

Section 4301.041 | Minimum percentage mark-up for sales at retail of beer.

• Effective: October 11, 2002
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 371 - 124th General Assembly

The liquor control commission may determine and fix by rule the minimum percentage mark-up for sales at retail of beer, whether in case lot or less.

To determine the retail price of beer, the minimum percentage mark-up may be applied to the wholesale price of the manufacturer or wholesale distributor charged to the retail permit holder. Such prices shall apply to sales made at retail by a permit holder for off-premise consumption only.

Section 4301.042 | Pricing practices rules for beer sales.

• Effective: October 11, 2002
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 371 - 124th General Assembly

The liquor control commission may adopt, repeal, and amend rules providing for and controlling pricing practices and the manner and frequency with which any person sets or changes prices at which beer is sold to or by the holders of B-1 permits, but the commission shall not set prices or markups between manufacturers or other suppliers and the holders of B-1 permits.

Section 4301.05 | Liquor control commission not to exercise executive or administrative duties or powers.

• Effective: April 17, 1963
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 24 - 105th General Assembly

Sections 4301.03, 4301.04, and 4301.041 of the Revised Code do not derogate from or prejudice any other power expressly or impliedly granted to the liquor control commission by Chapters 4301. and 4303. of the Revised Code; but except as expressly provided in sections 4301.03, 4301.04, and 4301.041 of the Revised Code, the commission shall not exercise executive or administrative duties or powers.

Section 4301.06 | Division of liquor control publications and hearings.

• Effective: July 1, 1997
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 162 - 121st General Assembly

The division of liquor control shall compile and publish, in reasonable detail, information as to its financial and other operations; and the liquor control commission shall hold not less than four public hearings annually for the purpose of hearing general complaints as to its policies under Chapters 4301. and 4303. of the Revised Code, receiving suggestions with respect thereto, and for the dissemination of information to the public. All of the records of the proceedings of the division of liquor control shall be open to public inspection.

Section 4301.07 | Liquor control commission members.

• Effective: September 15, 2014
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 483 - 130th General Assembly

Each member of the liquor control commission shall devote the member's entire time to the duties of office and shall hold no other office of trust or profit. No member of the commission, nor the superintendent of liquor control, nor any of the employees of the commission or of the division of liquor control, shall have any direct financial interest in, or any interest otherwise prohibited by Chapter 102. or section 2921.42 or 2921.43 of the Revised Code in, the manufacture, distribution, or sale of beer or intoxicating liquor.

Each member of the commission and the chairperson shall receive a salary fixed pursuant to division (J) of section 124.15 of the Revised Code. In addition to that salary, each member shall receive actual and necessary travel expenses in connection with commission hearings and business. The chairperson shall be an attorney at law who has had five years of active law practice.

As used in this section only, "office of trust or profit" means:

(A) A federal or state elective office or an elected office of a political subdivision of the state;

(B) A position on a board or commission of the state that is appointed by the governor;

(C) An office set forth in section 121.03, 121.04, or 121.05 of the Revised Code;

(D) An office of the government of the United States that is appointed by the president of the United States.

Section 4301.08 | Bond of liquor control commission, superintendent, employees.

• Effective: July 1, 1997
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 162 - 121st General Assembly

Each member of the liquor control commission shall give bond to the state in the amount of ten thousand dollars, and the superintendent of liquor control shall give bond to the state in the amount of one hundred thousand dollars conditioned according to law with surety to the approval of the governor. Such bond shall be filed and kept in the office of the secretary of state. The commission may require any employee of the commission to give like bond in such amount as the commission prescribes, with surety to the satisfaction of the commission, which shall be filed and kept in the office of the commission. The director may require any employee of the division of liquor control to give like bond in such amount as the superintendent prescribes, with surety to the satisfaction of the superintendent, which shall be filed and kept in the office of the division. The premium on any bond required or authorized by this section may be paid from the moneys received for the use of the commission, in the case of bonds for commission employees, or the division, in the case of bonds for division employees, under Chapters 4301. and 4303. of the Revised Code or from appropriations made by the general assembly. Bonds authorized to be taken on employees may, in the discretion of the commission, in the case of bonds for commission employees, or the superintendent, in the case of bonds for division employees, be individual, schedule, or blanket bonds.

Section 4301.10 | Division of liquor control powers and duties.

• Effective: December 29, 2023
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 131 - 134th General Assembly

(A) The division of liquor control shall do all of the following:

(1) Control the traffic in beer and intoxicating liquor in this state, including the manufacture, importation, and sale of beer and intoxicating liquor;

(2) Grant or refuse permits for the manufacture, distribution, transportation, and sale of beer and intoxicating liquor and the sale of alcohol, as authorized or required by this chapter and Chapter 4303. of the Revised Code. A certificate, signed by the superintendent of liquor control and to which is affixed the official seal of the division, stating that it appears from the records of the division that no permit has been issued to the person specified in the certificate, or that a permit, if issued, has been revoked, canceled, or suspended, shall be received as prima-facie evidence of the facts recited in the certificate in any court or before any officer of this state.

(3) Put into operation, manage, and control a system of state liquor stores for the sale of spirituous liquor at retail and to holders of permits authorizing the sale of spirituous liquor; however, the division shall not establish any drive-in state liquor stores; and by means of those types of stores, and any manufacturing plants, distributing and bottling plants, warehouses, and other facilities that it considers expedient, establish and maintain a state monopoly of the distribution of spirituous liquor and its sale in packages or containers; and for that purpose, manufacture, buy, import, possess, and sell spirituous liquors as provided in this chapter and Chapter 4303. of the Revised Code, and in the rules promulgated by the superintendent of liquor control pursuant to those chapters; lease or in any manner acquire the use of any land or building required for any of those purposes; purchase any equipment that is required; and borrow money to carry on its business, and issue, sign, endorse, and accept notes, checks, and bills of exchange; but all obligations of the division created under authority of this division shall be a charge only upon the moneys received by the division from the sale of spirituous liquor and its other business transactions in connection with the sale of spirituous liquor, and shall not be general obligations of the state;

(4) Enforce the administrative provisions of this chapter and Chapter 4303. of the Revised Code, and the rules and orders of the liquor control commission and the superintendent relating to the manufacture, importation, transportation, distribution, and sale of beer or intoxicating liquor. The attorney general, any prosecuting attorney, and any prosecuting officer of a municipal corporation or a municipal court shall, at the request of the division of liquor control or the department of public safety, prosecute any person charged with the violation of any provision in those chapters or of any section of the Revised Code relating to the manufacture, importation, transportation, distribution, and sale of beer or intoxicating liquor.

(5) Determine the locations of all state liquor stores and manufacturing, distributing, and bottling plants required in connection with those stores, subject to this chapter and Chapter 4303. of the Revised Code;

(6) Conduct inspections of liquor permit premises to determine compliance with the administrative provisions of this chapter and Chapter 4303. of the Revised Code and the rules adopted under those provisions by the liquor control commission.

Except as otherwise provided in division (A)(6) of this section, those inspections may be conducted only during those hours in which the permit holder is open for business and only by authorized agents or employees of the division or by any peace officer, as defined in section 2935.01 of the Revised Code. Inspections may be conducted at other hours only to determine compliance with laws or commission rules that regulate the hours of sale of beer or intoxicating liquor and only if the investigator has reasonable cause to believe that those laws or rules are being violated. Any inspection conducted pursuant to division (A)(6) of this section is subject to all of the following requirements:

(a) The only property that may be confiscated is contraband, as defined in section 2901.01 of the Revised Code, or property that is otherwise necessary for evidentiary purposes.

(b) A complete inventory of all property confiscated from the premises shall be given to the permit holder or the permit holder's agent or employee by the confiscating agent or officer at the conclusion of the inspection. At that time, the inventory shall be signed by the confiscating agent or officer, and the agent or officer shall give the permit holder or the permit holder's agent or employee the opportunity to sign the inventory.

(c) Inspections conducted pursuant to division (A)(6) of this section shall be conducted in a reasonable manner. A finding by any court of competent jurisdiction that an inspection was not conducted in a reasonable manner in accordance with this section or any rules adopted by the commission may be considered grounds for suppression of evidence. A finding by the commission that an inspection was not conducted in a reasonable manner in accordance with this section or any rules adopted by it may be considered grounds for dismissal of the commission case.

If any court of competent jurisdiction finds that property confiscated as the result of an administrative inspection is not necessary for evidentiary purposes and is not contraband, as defined in section 2901.01 of the Revised Code, the court shall order the immediate return of the confiscated property, provided that property is not otherwise subject to forfeiture, to the permit holder. However, the return of this property is not grounds for dismissal of the case. The commission likewise may order the return of confiscated property if no criminal prosecution is pending or anticipated.

(7) Delegate to any of its agents or employees any power of investigation that the division possesses with respect to the enforcement of any of the administrative laws relating to beer or intoxicating liquor, provided that this division does not authorize the division to designate any agent or employee to serve as an enforcement agent. The employment and designation of enforcement agents shall be within the exclusive authority of the director of public safety pursuant to sections 5502.13 to 5502.19 of the Revised Code.

(8) Collect the following fees:

(a) A biennial fifty-dollar registration fee for each agent, solicitor, trade marketing professional, or salesperson, registered pursuant to section 4303.25 of the Revised Code, of a beer or intoxicating liquor manufacturer, supplier, broker, trade marketing company, or wholesale distributor doing business in this state;

(b) A fifty-dollar product registration fee for each new beer or intoxicating liquor product sold in this state. The product registration fee also applies to products sold in this state by B-2a, S-1, and S-2 permit holders. The product registration fee shall be accompanied by a copy of the federal label and product approval for the new product.

(c) An annual three-hundred-dollar supplier registration fee from each manufacturer or supplier that produces and ships into this state, or ships into this state, intoxicating liquor or beer, in addition to an initial application fee of one hundred dollars. A manufacturer that produces and ships beer or wine into this state and that holds only an S-1 or S-2 permit, as applicable, is exempt from the supplier registration fee. A manufacturer that produces and ships beer or wine into this state and that holds a B-2a permit shall pay an annual seventy-six-dollar supplier registration fee. A manufacturer that produces and ships wine into this state and that does not hold either an S-1 or a B-2a permit, but that produces less than two hundred fifty thousand gallons of wine per year shall pay an annual seventy-six-dollar supplier registration fee. A B-2a, S-1, or S-2 permit holder that does not sell its wine to wholesale distributors of wine in this state and an S-1 permit holder that does not sell its beer to wholesale distributors of beer in this state shall not be required to submit to the division territory designation forms.

Each supplier, agent, solicitor, trade marketing professional, or salesperson registration issued under this division shall authorize the person named to carry on the activity specified in the registration. The division shall register a supplier, agent, solicitor, trade marketing professional, or salesperson in accordance with Chapter 4796. of the Revised Code if either of the following applies:

(i) The supplier, agent, solicitor, trade marketing professional, or salesperson is licensed or registered in another state.

(ii) The supplier, agent, solicitor, trade marketing professional, or salesperson has satisfactory work experience, a government certification, or a private certification as described in that chapter as a supplier, agent, solicitor, trade marketing professional, or salesperson in a state that does not issue that license or registration.

Each agent, solicitor, trade marketing professional, or salesperson registration is valid for two years or for the unexpired portion of a two-year registration period. Each supplier registration is valid for one year or for the unexpired portion of a one-year registration period. Registrations shall end on their respective uniform expiration date, which shall be designated by the division, and are subject to suspension, revocation, cancellation, or fine as authorized by this chapter and Chapter 4303. of the Revised Code.

As used in this division, "trade marketing company" and "trade marketing professional" have the same meanings as in section 4301.171 of the Revised Code.

(9) Establish a system of electronic data interchange within the division and regulate the electronic transfer of information and funds among persons and governmental entities engaged in the manufacture, distribution, and retail sale of alcoholic beverages;

(10) Notify all holders of retail permits of the forms of permissible identification for purposes of division (A) of section 4301.639 of the Revised Code;

(11) Exercise all other powers expressly or by necessary implication conferred upon the division by this chapter and Chapter 4303. of the Revised Code, and all powers necessary for the exercise or discharge of any power, duty, or function expressly conferred or imposed upon the division by those chapters.

(B) The division may do all of the following:

(1) Sue, but may be sued only in connection with the execution of leases of real estate and the purchases and contracts necessary for the operation of the state liquor stores that are made under this chapter and Chapter 4303. of the Revised Code;

(2) Enter into leases and contracts of all descriptions and acquire and transfer title to personal property with regard to the sale, distribution, and storage of spirituous liquor within the state;

(3) Terminate at will any lease entered into pursuant to division (B)(2) of this section upon first giving ninety days' notice in writing to the lessor of its intention to do so;

(4) Fix the wholesale and retail prices at which the various classes, varieties, and brands of spirituous liquor shall be sold by the division. Those retail prices shall be the same at all state liquor stores, except to the extent that a price differential is required to collect a county sales tax levied pursuant to section 5739.021 of the Revised Code and for which tax the tax commissioner has authorized prepayment pursuant to section 5739.05 of the Revised Code. In fixing selling prices, the division shall compute an anticipated gross profit at least sufficient to provide in each calendar year all costs and expenses of the division and also an adequate working capital reserve for the division. The gross profit shall not exceed forty per cent of the retail selling price based on costs of the division, and in addition the sum required by section 4301.12 of the Revised Code to be paid into the state treasury. An amount equal to one and one-half per cent of that gross profit shall be paid into the statewide treatment and prevention fund created by section 4301.30 of the Revised Code and be appropriated by the general assembly from the fund to the department of mental health and addiction services as provided in section 4301.30 of the Revised Code.

On spirituous liquor manufactured in this state from the juice of grapes or fruits grown in this state, the division shall compute an anticipated gross profit of not to exceed ten per cent.

The wholesale prices fixed under this division shall be at a discount of not less than six per cent of the retail selling prices as determined by the division in accordance with this section.

(C) The division may approve the expansion or diminution of a premises to which a liquor permit has been issued and may adopt standards governing such an expansion or diminution.

Last updated December 29, 2023 at 6:46 AM

Section 4301.101 | Superintendent of liquor control rules.

• Effective: April 12, 2021
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 674 - 133rd General Assembly

The superintendent of liquor control may adopt and promulgate, repeal, rescind, and amend, in the manner required by this section, rules, standards, requirements, and orders necessary to carry out the following:

(A) Rules and regulations governing the management of the state liquor stores and the manner of conducting them;

(B) Standards, not in conflict with those prescribed by any law of this state or the United States, to secure the use of proper ingredients and methods in the manufacture of alcohol and spirituous liquor to be sold within this state;

(C) Rules and regulations determining the nature, form, and capacity of all packages and bottles to be used for containing spirituous liquor to be kept or sold, subject to the provisions of section 4301.19 of the Revised Code, governing the form of all seals and labels to be used thereon, prescribing that the stamps required by Chapters 4301. and 4303. of the Revised Code to be affixed to containers of such spirituous liquor shall bear the official seal of the division of liquor control, in addition to the official identification seal prescribed by the superintendent by rule to be affixed to all bottles of spirituous liquor, and requiring the label on every package, bottle, and container to state the ingredients in the contents and the terms of weight, volume, or proof spirits of the spirituous liquor;

(D) Rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code governing the delivery of spirituous liquor in original containers to personal consumers by the division of liquor control.

Section 4301.102 | Administration, collection, and enforcement of county sports facility liquor tax.

• Effective: July 19, 1995
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 162, Senate Bill 188 - 121st General Assembly

(A) The superintendent of liquor control shall collect the tax levied under section 307.697 or 4301.424 of the Revised Code on sales of spirituous liquor sold to liquor permit holders for resale, and sold at retail by the division of liquor control, in the county in which the tax is levied, and shall deposit the tax into the state treasury to the credit of the liquor control fund created by section 4301.12 of the Revised Code. The superintendent shall provide for payment of the full amount of the tax collected to the county in which the tax is levied as follows:

(1) For each county in which a tax is levied under section 307.697 or 4301.424 of the Revised Code, the superintendent of liquor control shall, on or before the sixteenth day of each month:

(a) From the best information available to the superintendent, determine and certify to the director of budget and management and to the tax commissioner the full amount of the tax levied in the county and collected during the first fifteen days of the preceding month;

(b) On or before the last working day of each month, from the best information available to the superintendent, determine and certify to the director of budget and management and to the tax commissioner the full amount of the tax levied in the county and collected during the remainder of the preceding month.

(2) Upon receipt of such certification, the director of budget and management shall transfer from the liquor control fund to the permissive tax distribution fund created by division (B)(1) of section 4301.423 of the Revised Code the full amount certified to the director under division (A)(1) of this section.

(3) Within five working days after receiving the certification provided for in division (A)(1) of this section, the tax commissioner shall provide for payment to the county treasurer of each county that imposes a tax under section 307.697 or 4301.424 of the Revised Code the full amount certified to be paid to the county.

(B) The superintendent of liquor control may adopt any rules necessary for the administration, collection, and enforcement of taxes levied under section 307.697 or 4301.424 of the Revised Code.

(C) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, no permit holder shall purchase liquor from the division of liquor control at wholesale from a store that is located outside of a county in which a tax is levied under section 307.697 or 4301.424 of the Revised Code if the liquor is to be resold in the county in which the tax is levied.

The Legislative Service Commission presents the text of this section as a composite of the section as amended by multiple acts of the General Assembly. This presentation recognizes the principle stated in R.C. 1.52(B) that amendments are to be harmonized if reasonably capable of simultaneous operation.

Section 4301.11 | Leases of state liquor stores.

• Effective: July 1, 1997
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 162 - 121st General Assembly

All contracts of lease for a state liquor store entered into by the division of liquor control shall be made in writing with the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, in accordance with section 9.312 of the Revised Code, after an advertisement in a newspaper of general circulation in the community wherein it is proposed to establish such store. In determining the lowest responsive and responsible bid, the division shall consider the length of the lease, the location, size, character, and quality of the construction, and the general fitness for use as such store of the premises for which a bid is submitted.

The liquor control commission may prescribe the form of bid and shall prescribe rules pertaining to the receiving and advertisement of such bid; provided that before accepting a bid and before entering into any contract of lease of the premises for use as a state liquor store the division shall publish in a newspaper of general circulation in the community wherein such premises are located a synopsis of the terms of such proposed lease including the name of the lessor, the location of the premises, and the yearly rental.

The division may reject any or all bids. If the division rejects all bids it shall readvertise for bids for such leases and may continue to readvertise for such bids until bids satisfactory to it are received.

No member of the commission, or any officer or employee of the division, shall directly or indirectly have any interest in any contract of lease entered into by the division.

Section 4301.12 | Custody, safekeeping, and deposit of funds.

• Effective: September 30, 2021
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 110 - 134th General Assembly

The division of liquor control shall provide for the custody, safekeeping, and deposit of all moneys, checks, and drafts received by it or any of its employees or agents prior to paying them to the treasurer of state as provided by section 113.08 of the Revised Code.

A sum equal to three dollars and thirty-eight cents for each gallon of spirituous liquor sold by the division, JobsOhio, or a designee of JobsOhio during the period covered by the payment shall be paid into the state treasury to the credit of the general revenue fund. All moneys received from permit fees, except B-2a, S-1, and S-2 permit fees from B-2a, S-1, and S-2 permit holders who do not also hold A-2 or A-2f permits, shall be paid to the credit of the undivided liquor permit fund established by section 4301.30 of the Revised Code.

Except as otherwise provided by law, the division shall deposit all moneys collected under Chapters 4301. and 4303. of the Revised Code into the state treasury to the credit of the state liquor regulatory fund created in section 4301.30 of the Revised Code. In addition, revenue resulting from any contracts with the department of commerce pertaining to the responsibilities and operations described in this chapter may be credited to the fund.

Whenever, in the judgment of the director of budget and management, the amount in the liquor control fund is in excess of that needed to meet the maturing obligations of the division, as working capital for its further operations, to pay the operating expenses of the commission, and for the alcohol testing program under section 3701.143 of the Revised Code, the director shall transfer the excess to the credit of the general revenue fund. If the director determines that the amount in the liquor control fund is insufficient, the director may transfer money from the general revenue fund to the liquor control fund.

Last updated August 24, 2021 at 2:14 PM

Section 4301.13 | Rules for dealing in and distributing and selling bottled wine.

• Effective: September 29, 2017
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 49 - 132nd General Assembly

(A) The liquor control commission may adopt, promulgate, repeal, rescind, and amend rules to regulate the manner of dealing in and distributing and selling bottled wine within the state. The commission may require out-of-state producers, shippers, bottlers, and holders of federal importers' permits shipping bottled wine into Ohio and holders of A-2, A-2f, B-5, B-3, and B-2 permits issued by the division of liquor control, engaged in distributing and selling bottled wine in Ohio, to file with the division a schedule of prices in which minimum prices are set forth for the sale of bottled wine at wholesale or retail, or both, in Ohio. Any amendments, additions, alterations, or revisions to the schedule of prices as originally filed with the division shall be filed in the same manner as the original schedule of prices required to be filed with the division.

(B)(1) The commission may determine and fix the minimum mark-ups at wholesale or retail, or both, for bottled wine, and fix the minimum prices at which the various classes of bottled wine shall be distributed and sold in Ohio either at wholesale or retail, or both. With regard to the minimum prices at which various classes of bottled wine are sold in the state at retail, the commission shall allow a retail permit holder to offer to a personal consumer a ten per cent discount off the per-bottle retail sale price on each bottle included in a case of that wine that is offered for sale.

(2) As used in division (B)(1) of this section, "case" means not less than six and not more than twelve bottles of wine, which need not be of the same brand, variety, or volume.

Section 4301.14 | Rules for equitable distribution of supplies of spirituous liquor.

• Effective: July 1, 1997
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 162 - 121st General Assembly

(A) When the supply of spirituous liquor in this state is insufficient to meet the demands of ordinary trade, due to causes beyond the control of the superintendent of liquor control, the superintendent may establish rules which will insure the equitable distribution of such supplies of spirituous liquor as are available. The superintendent may institute and terminate such rules as conditions demand, and also make changes and alterations therein in accordance with specific needs.

(B) No permit holder or his employee or agent shall purchase at retail any spirituous liquor for resale or in the permit premises possess such liquor. The permit of any person, firm, partnership, or corporation violating this section, or employing an employee, or authorizing an agent who violates this section shall be suspended or revoked.

Section 4301.15 | Violating rules for equitable distribution.

• Effective: July 1, 1997
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 162 - 121st General Assembly

No person shall violate any rule issued by the superintendent of liquor control in pursuance of section 4301.14 of the Revised Code.

Section 4301.16 | Accounting for moneys received from the sale of liquor.

• Effective: September 1, 2008
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 150 - 127th General Assembly

(A)(1) All moneys received from the sale of liquor at state liquor stores or otherwise, or arising in the administration of Chapters 4301. and 4303. of the Revised Code, other than from taxes, shall be paid to the division of liquor control subject to division (A)(2) of this section and shall be accounted for and paid over by the division to the treasurer of state as custodian, as provided by section 4301.12 of the Revised Code.

(2) The division may allow or require a state liquor agency to establish and maintain bank accounts, at the discretion of the division either under the name of the state of Ohio or the business account of the state liquor agency, for the deposit of moneys received from the sale of spirituous liquor. The moneys in a state liquor agency's bank accounts shall be transferred to the division at intervals determined by the division.

(B) Upon proof of accidental breakage or unintentional shortage of stock, which proof shall be subject to the final approval of the division, the division shall allow yearly credits to each state liquor store not to exceed one-fortieth of one per cent of each state liquor store's yearly gross sales, for the moneys required by this section to be paid by such state liquor store to the division.

Section 4301.17 | State liquor stores or agencies.

• Effective: October 24, 2024
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 94 - 135th General Assembly

(A)(1) Subject to local option as provided in sections 4301.32 to 4301.40 of the Revised Code, five state liquor stores or agencies may be established in each county. One additional store may be established in any county for each twenty thousand of population of that county or major fraction thereof in excess of the first forty thousand, according to the last preceding federal decennial census or according to the population estimates certified by the department of development between decennial censuses. A person engaged in a mercantile business may act as the agent for the division of liquor control for the sale of spirituous liquor in a municipal corporation, in the unincorporated area of a township, or in an area designated and approved as a resort area under section 4303.262 of the Revised Code. The division shall fix the compensation for such an agent in the manner it considers best, but the compensation shall not exceed seven per cent of the gross sales made by the agent in any one year.

(2) The division shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code governing the allocation and equitable distribution of agency store contracts. The division shall comply with the rules when awarding a contract under division (A)(1) of this section.

(3) Pursuant to an agency store's contract, an agency store may be issued a D-1 permit to sell beer, a D-2 permit to sell wine and mixed beverages, and a D-5 permit to sell beer, wine, mixed beverages, and spirituous liquor.

(4) Pursuant to an agency store's contract, an agency store may be issued a D-3 permit to sell spirituous liquor if the agency store contains at least ten thousand square feet of sales floor area. A D-3 permit issued to an agency store shall not be transferred to a new location. The division shall revoke any D-3 permit issued to an agency store under division (A)(4) of this section if the agent no longer operates the agency store. The division shall not issue a D-3a permit to an agency store.

(5) An agency store to which a D-8 permit has been issued may allow the consumption of tasting samples of spirituous liquor in accordance with section 4301.171 of the Revised Code.

(6) An agency store may sell beer, wine, mixed beverages, and spirituous liquor only between the hours of nine a.m. and eleven p.m.

(B) When an agency contract is proposed, when an existing agency contract is assigned, when an existing agency proposes to relocate, or when an existing agency is relocated and assigned, before entering into any contract, consenting to any assignment, or consenting to any relocation, the division shall notify the legislative authority of the municipal corporation in which the agency store is to be located, or the board of county commissioners and the board of township trustees of the county and the township in which the agency store is to be located if the agency store is to be located outside the corporate limits of a municipal corporation, of the proposed contract, assignment, or relocation, and an opportunity shall be provided officials or employees of the municipal corporation or county and township for a complete hearing upon the advisability of entering into the contract or consenting to the assignment or relocation. When the division sends notice to the legislative authority of the political subdivision, the division shall notify the chief peace officer of the political subdivision, who may appear and testify, either in person or through a representative, at any hearing held on the advisability of entering into the contract or consenting to the assignment or relocation.

If the proposed agency store, the assignment of an agency contract, or the relocation of an agency store would be located within five hundred feet of a school, church, library, public playground, or township park, the division shall not enter into an agency contract until it has provided notice of the proposed contract to the authorities in control of the school, church, library, public playground, or township park and has provided those authorities with an opportunity for a complete hearing upon the advisability of entering into the contract. If an agency store so located is operating under an agency contract, the division may consent to relocation of the agency store or to the assignment of that contract to operate an agency store at the same location. The division may also consent to the assignment of an existing agency contract simultaneously with the relocation of the agency store. In any such assignment or relocation, the assignee and the location shall be subject to the same requirements that the existing location met at the time that the contract was first entered into as well as any additional requirements imposed by the division in rules adopted by the superintendent of liquor control. The division shall not consent to an assignment or relocation of an agency store until it has notified the authorities in control of the school, church, library, public playground, or township park and has provided those authorities with an opportunity for a complete hearing upon the advisability of consenting to the assignment or relocation.

Any hearing provided for in this division shall be held in the central office of the division, except that upon written request of the legislative authority of the municipal corporation, the board of county commissioners, the board of township trustees, or the authorities in control of the school, church, library, public playground, or township park, the hearing shall be held in the county seat of the county where the proposed agency store is to be located.

(C) All agency contracts entered into by the division pursuant to this section shall be in writing and shall contain a clause providing for the termination of the contract at will by the division upon its giving ninety days' notice in writing to the agent of its intention to do so. Any agency contract may include a clause requiring the agent to report to the appropriate law enforcement agency the name and address of any individual under twenty-one years of age who attempts to make an illegal purchase.

The division shall issue a C-1 and C-2 permit to each agent who prior to November 1, 1994, had not been issued both of these permits, notwithstanding the population quota restrictions contained in section 4303.29 of the Revised Code or in any rule of the liquor control commission and notwithstanding the requirements of section 4303.31 of the Revised Code. The location of a C-1 or C-2 permit issued to such an agent shall not be transferred. The division shall revoke any C-1 or C-2 permit issued to an agent under this paragraph if the agent no longer operates an agency store.

The division may enter into agreements with the department of development to implement a minority loan program to provide low-interest loans to minority business enterprises, as defined in section 122.71 of the Revised Code, that are awarded liquor agency contracts or assignments.

(D) If the division closes a state liquor store and replaces that store with an agency store, any employees of the division employed at that state liquor store who lose their jobs at that store as a result shall be given preference by the agent who operates the agency store in filling any vacancies that occur among the agent's employees, if that preference does not conflict with the agent's obligations pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement.

If the division closes a state liquor store and replaces the store with an agency store, any employees of the division employed at the state liquor store who lose their jobs at that store as a result may displace other employees as provided in sections 124.321 to 124.328 of the Revised Code. If an employee cannot displace other employees and is laid off, the employee shall be reinstated in another job as provided in sections 124.321 to 124.328 of the Revised Code, except that the employee's rights of reinstatement in a job at a state liquor store shall continue for a period of two years after the date of the employee's layoff and shall apply to jobs at state liquor stores located in the employee's layoff jurisdiction and any layoff jurisdiction adjacent to the employee's layoff jurisdiction.

(E) The division shall require every agent to give bond with surety to the satisfaction of the division, in the amount the division fixes, conditioned for the faithful performance of the agent's duties as prescribed by the division.

Last updated August 27, 2024 at 3:12 PM

Section 4301.171 | Tasting samples of spirituous liquor.

• Effective: October 24, 2024
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 94 - 135th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Broker" and "solicitor" have the same meanings as in rules adopted by the superintendent of liquor control under section 4303.25 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Tasting sample" means a small amount of spirituous liquor that is provided in a serving of not more than a quarter ounce of spirituous liquor and, if provided, not more than one ounce of nonalcoholic mixer to an authorized person and that allows the person to determine, by tasting only, the quality and character of the beverage.

(3) "Trade marketing company" means a company that solicits the purchase of beer and intoxicating liquor and educates the public about beer and intoxicating liquor.

(4) "Trade marketing professional" means an individual who is an employee of, or is under contract with, a trade marketing company and who has successfully completed a training program described in section 4301.253 of the Revised Code.

(B) Notwithstanding section 4301.24 of the Revised Code, an agency store to which a D-8 permit has been issued may allow a trade marketing professional, broker, or solicitor to offer tasting samples of spirituous liquor when conducted in accordance with this section. A tasting sample shall not be provided for the purpose of general consumption.

(C) Tasting samples of spirituous liquor may be offered at an agency store by a trade marketing professional, broker, or solicitor if all of the following apply:

(1) The tasting samples are provided only in the area of the agency store in which spirituous liquor is sold and that area is open to the public.

(2) The tasting samples are provided only by the trade marketing professional, broker, or solicitor.

(3) The spirituous liquor is registered under division (A)(8) of section 4301.10 of the Revised Code.

(4) Not less than ten business days prior to the sampling, the trade marketing professional, broker, or solicitor has provided written notice to the division of liquor control of the date and time of the sampling, and of the type and brand of spirituous liquor to be sampled at the agency store.

(D) The provision of tasting samples of spirituous liquor is subject to rules adopted by the superintendent of liquor control or the liquor control commission.

(E) An offering of tasting samples of spirituous liquor shall be limited to a period of not more than two hours.

(F) For purposes of offering tasting samples of spirituous liquor, a trade marketing professional, broker, or solicitor shall purchase the spirituous liquor from the agency store at the current retail price. An authorized person shall not be charged for a tasting sample of spirituous liquor. When sampling of spirituous liquor at an agency store is completed, any bottles of spirituous liquor used to provide tasting samples that are not empty shall be marked as "sample" and removed from the agency store by the trade marketing professional, broker, or solicitor, as applicable.

(G) No trade marketing professional, broker, or solicitor shall do any of the following:

(1) Advertise the offering of tasting samples of spirituous liquor other than at the agency store where the tasting samples will be offered or as provided in section 4301.245 of the Revised Code;

(2) Solicit orders or offer tasting samples of spirituous liquor in quantities greater than those specified in division (G)(3) of this section;

(3) Allow any authorized person to consume more than four tasting samples of spirituous liquor per day.

(H) The consumption of a tasting sample of spirituous liquor shall not be contingent upon the purchase of any other product from an agency store.

(I) No employee of an agency store that allows the consumption of tasting samples of spirituous liquor shall consume a tasting sample while on duty.

(J) If an employee of an agency store that allows the consumption of tasting samples of spirituous liquor consumes a tasting sample of spirituous liquor, the employee shall not perform the employee's duties and responsibilities at the agency store on the day the tasting sample is consumed.

(K) No person under twenty-one years of age shall consume a tasting sample of spirituous liquor.

(L) Not more than ten events at which tasting samples of spirituous liquor are offered shall occur at an agency store in a calendar month provided that:

(1) Not more than two events shall occur in the same day; and

(2) There is not less than one hour between the end of one event and the beginning of the next event.

(M) No trade marketing professional, trade marketing company, broker, solicitor, owner or operator of an agency store, or an agent or employee of the owner or operator shall violate this section or any rules adopted by the superintendent or the commission for the purposes of this section.

Last updated August 27, 2024 at 3:13 PM

Section 4301.172 | Agency store hours of sale.

• Effective: March 23, 2022
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 102 - 134th General Assembly

If an agency contract holder is authorized to make sales of spirituous liquor on Sunday, those sales may occur during the same hours that the contract holder is authorized to sell spirituous liquor on Monday through Saturday.

Last updated January 18, 2022 at 10:39 AM

Section 4301.18 | Purchase, manufacture, blend, or bottle spirituous liquor division of liquor control.

• Effective: July 1, 1997
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 162 - 121st General Assembly

The division of liquor control may purchase spirituous liquor in barrels, casks, or other containers, and may establish plants for the manufacture of spirituous liquor or for the blending and bottling of such liquor. All spirituous liquors manufactured, blended, or bottled by the division shall be so labeled.

Section 4301.19 | Sale of spirituous liquor by division of liquor control.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

The division of liquor control shall sell spirituous liquor only, whether from a warehouse or from a state liquor store or agency store. All sales shall be in sealed containers and for resale as authorized by this chapter and Chapter 4303. of the Revised Code or for consumption off the premises only. Except as otherwise provided in this section, sale of containers holding one-half pint or less of spirituous liquor by the division shall be made at retail only, and not for the purpose of resale by any purchaser, by special order placed with a state liquor store or agency store and subject to rules established by the superintendent of liquor control. The division may sell at wholesale spirituous liquor in fifty milliliter sealed containers to any holder of a permit issued under Chapter 4303. of the Revised Code that authorizes the sale of spirituous liquor for consumption on the premises where sold. A person appointed by the division to act as an agent for the sale of spirituous liquor pursuant to section 4301.17 of the Revised Code may provide and accept gift certificates and may accept credit cards and debit cards for the retail purchase of spirituous liquor. Deliveries shall be made in the manner the superintendent determines by rule.

Subject to division (A)(3) of section 4301.10 and division (A) of section 4301.14 of the Revised Code, if any person desires to purchase any variety or brand of spirituous liquor which is not in stock at the state liquor store or agency store where the variety or brand is ordered, the division shall immediately procure the variety or brand. The purchaser shall be immediately notified upon the arrival of the spirituous liquor at the store at which it was ordered. Unless the purchaser pays for the variety or brand and accepts delivery within five days after the giving of the notice, the division may place the spirituous liquor in stock for general sale.

Last updated September 1, 2023 at 11:18 AM

Section 4301.20 | Exemptions from liquor control law.

• Effective: March 27, 2020
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 197 - 133rd General Assembly

This chapter and Chapter 4303. of the Revised Code do not prevent the following:

(A) The storage of intoxicating liquor in bonded warehouses, established in accordance with the acts of congress and under the regulation of the United States, located in this state, or the transportation of intoxicating liquor to or from bonded warehouses of the United States wherever located;

(B) A bona fide resident of this state who is the owner of a warehouse receipt from obtaining or transporting to the resident's residence for the resident's own consumption and not for resale spirituous liquor stored in a government bonded warehouse in this state or in another state prior to December 1933, subject to such terms as are prescribed by the division of liquor control;

(C) The manufacture of cider from fruit for the purpose of making vinegar, and nonintoxicating cider and fruit juices for use and sale;

(D) A licensed physician or dentist from administering or dispensing intoxicating liquor or alcohol to a patient in good faith in the actual course of the practice of the physician's or dentist's profession;

(E) The sale of alcohol to physicians, dentists, druggists, veterinary surgeons, manufacturers, hospitals, infirmaries, or medical or educational institutions using the alcohol for medicinal, mechanical, chemical, or scientific purposes;

(F) The sale, gift, or keeping for sale by druggists and others of any of the medicinal preparations manufactured in accordance with the formulas prescribed by the United States Pharmacopoeia and National Formulary, patent or proprietary preparations, and other bona fide medicinal and technical preparations, which contain no more alcohol than is necessary to hold the medicinal agents in solution and to preserve the same, which are manufactured and sold as medicine and not as beverages, are unfit for use for beverage purposes, and the sale of which does not require the payment of a United States liquor dealer's tax;

(G) The manufacture and sale of tinctures or of toilet, medicinal, and antiseptic preparations and solutions not intended for internal human use nor to be sold as beverages, and which are unfit for beverage purposes, if upon the outside of each bottle, box, or package of which there is printed in the English language, conspicuously and legibly, the quantity by volume of alcohol in the preparation or solution;

(H) The manufacture and keeping for sale of the food products known as flavoring extracts when manufactured and sold for cooking, culinary, or flavoring purposes, and which are unfit for use for beverage purposes;

(I) The lawful sale of wood alcohol or of ethyl alcohol for external use when combined with other substances as to make it unfit for internal use;

(J) The manufacture, sale, and transport of ethanol or ethyl alcohol for use as fuel. As used in this division, "ethanol" has the same meaning as in section 122.075 of the Revised Code.

(K) The purchase and importation into this state or the purchase at wholesale from A or B permit holders in this state of beer and intoxicating liquor for use in manufacturing processes of nonbeverage food products under terms prescribed by the division, provided that the terms prescribed by the division shall not increase the cost of the beer or intoxicating liquor to any person, firm, or corporation purchasing and importing it into this state or purchasing it from an A or B permit holder for that use;

(L) Any resident of this state or any member of the armed forces of the United States, who has attained the age of twenty-one years, from bringing into this state, for personal use and not for resale, not more than one liter of spirituous liquor, four and one-half liters of wine, or two hundred eighty-eight ounces of beer in any thirty-day period, and the same is free of any tax consent fee when the resident or member of the armed forces physically possesses and accompanies the spirituous liquor, wine, or beer on returning from a foreign country, another state, or an insular possession of the United States;

(M) Persons, at least twenty-one years of age, who collect ceramic commemorative bottles containing spirituous liquor that have unbroken federal tax stamps on them from selling or trading the bottles to other collectors. The bottles shall originally have been purchased at retail from the division, legally imported under division (L) of this section, or legally imported pursuant to a supplier registration issued by the division. The sales shall be for the purpose of exchanging a ceramic commemorative bottle between private collectors and shall not be for the purpose of selling the spirituous liquor for personal consumption. The sale or exchange authorized by this division shall not occur on the premises of any permit holder, shall not be made in connection with the business of any permit holder, and shall not be made in connection with any mercantile business.

(N) The sale of beer or intoxicating liquor without a liquor permit at a private residence, not more than five times per calendar year at a residence address, at an event that has the following characteristics:

(1) The event is for a charitable, benevolent, or political purpose, but shall not include any event the proceeds of which are for the profit or gain of any individual;

(2) The event has in attendance not more than fifty people;

(3) The event shall be for a period not to exceed twelve hours;

(4) The sale of beer and intoxicating liquor at the event shall not take place between two-thirty a.m. and five-thirty a.m.;

(5) No person under twenty-one years of age shall purchase or consume beer or intoxicating liquor at the event and no beer or intoxicating liquor shall be sold to any person under twenty-one years of age at the event; and

(6) No person at the event shall sell or furnish beer or intoxicating liquor to an intoxicated person.

(O) The possession or consumption of beer or intoxicating liquor by a person who is under twenty-one years of age and who is a student at an accredited college or university, provided that both of the following apply:

(1) The person is required to taste and expectorate the beer or intoxicating liquor for a culinary, food service, or hospitality course.

(2) The person is under the direct supervision of the instructor of the culinary, food service, or hospitality course.

Section 4301.201 | Homemade beer and wine.

• Effective: March 23, 2022
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 102 - 134th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Event" means a demonstration or competition that is not open to the public and at which tasting samples of homemade beer or wine are served.

(2) "Fraternal organization" means any society, order, or association within this state, except a college or high school fraternity, to which all of the following apply:

(a) It is not organized for profit.

(b) It is a branch, lodge, or chapter of a national or state organization.

(c) It exists exclusively for the common business or sodality of its members.

(3) "Homebrewer" means a person who brews or ferments homemade beer or wine.

(4) "Homemade beer or wine" means beer that is brewed or wine that is fermented by an individual's own efforts and not for commercial purposes.

(5) "Sell" does not include giving away homemade beer or wine free of charge.

(6) "Tasting sample" means an amount of beer or wine not to exceed two ounces.

(B) A homebrewer may brew or ferment homemade beer or wine without a permit issued under Chapter 4303. of the Revised Code if all of the following apply:

(1) The homebrewer does not sell homemade beer or wine or offer homemade beer or wine for sale.

(2) The homebrewer does not receive compensation for participating in any event. Both of the following are not considered compensation:

(a) Any prize that is cash or a cash equivalent awarded at an event;

(b) A free or discounted admission to an event.

(3) The homebrewer annually brews or ferments homemade beer or wine in either of the following amounts:

(a) Not more than one hundred gallons if the homebrewer's household has only one person who is twenty-one years of age or older; or

(b) Not more than two hundred gallons if the homebrewer's household has two or more persons who are twenty-one years of age or older.

(C) A homebrewer may serve homemade beer or wine the homebrewer brews or ferments without a permit issued under Chapter 4303. of the Revised Code as follows:

(1) For personal consumption on private property or to the homebrewer's family, neighbors, co-workers, and friends on private property.

(2) At an event, if the event is held on private property, the premises of a fraternal organization, or on the premises for which an A-1-A, A-1c, A-2, A-2f, A-3a, or D-4 permit is issued.

(D) A homebrewer or the homebrewer's designated representative may transport homemade beer or wine brewed or fermented by the homebrewer without a permit issued under Chapter 4303. of the Revised Code.

(E) A person may conduct, sponsor, or host an event if the person:

(1) Is a homebrewer or fraternal organization that does not hold a permit issued under Chapter 4303. of the Revised Code and conducts, sponsors, or hosts the event on private property or the premises of a fraternal organization; or

(2) Holds an A-1-A, A-1c, A-2, A-2f, A-3a, or D-4 permit and the person conducts, sponsors, or hosts the event on the permitted premises. The permit holder shall suspend its permit privileges in the portion of the permit premises where the event is to occur and for the duration of the event. The permit holder shall provide notice to the division of liquor control and the investigative unit of the department of public safety not later than ten days prior to the date of the event.

(F) A person described under division (E) of this section who is hosting an event shall not do any of the following:

(1) Sell any homemade beer or wine.

(2) Unless the person is the homebrewer of the homemade beer or wine, acquire an ownership interest in any homemade beer or wine served at the event.

(3) Charge a fee for the consumption of the homemade beer or wine at the event. If an event is hosted by a homebrewers club or group, division (F)(3) of this section does not apply to a registration fee charged to a member of the club or group to attend the event.

(4) If the person is a liquor permit holder and conducts, sponsors, or hosts the event on the permit holder's permitted premises, fail to store the homemade beer or wine on the premises so that it is clearly identified and kept separate from any beer or intoxicating liquor that is intended for sale by the permit holder under the authority of the applicable permit.

Last updated January 18, 2022 at 10:42 AM

Section 4301.21 | Rules for sale of beer or intoxicating liquor for consumption on the premises.

• Effective: August 31, 2016
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 37 - 131st General Assembly

The sale of beer or intoxicating liquor for consumption on the premises is subject to the following restrictions, in addition to those imposed by the rules and orders of the division of liquor control:

(A) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, beer or intoxicating liquor may be served to a person not seated at a table unless there is reason to believe that the beer or intoxicating liquor so served will be consumed by a person under twenty-one years of age.

(B) Beer or intoxicating liquor may be served by a hotel in the room of a bona fide guest, and may be sold by a hotel holding a D-5a permit, or a hotel holding a D-3 or D-5 permit that otherwise meets all of the requirements for holding a D-5a permit, by means of a controlled access alcohol and beverage cabinet that shall be located only in the hotel room of a registered guest. A hotel may sell beer or intoxicating liquor as authorized by its permit to a registered guest by means of a controlled access alcohol and beverage cabinet in accordance with the following requirements:

(1) Only a person twenty-one years of age or older who is a guest registered to stay in a guestroom shall be provided a key, magnetic card, or other similar device necessary to obtain access to the contents of a controlled access alcohol and beverage cabinet in that guestroom.

(2) The hotel shall comply with section 4301.22 of the Revised Code in connection with the handling, restocking, and replenishing of the beer and intoxicating liquor in the controlled access alcohol and beverage cabinet.

(3) The hotel shall replenish or restock beer and intoxicating liquor in any controlled access alcohol and beverage cabinet only during the hours during which the hotel may serve or sell beer and intoxicating liquor.

(4) The registered guest shall verify in writing that the guest has read and understands the language that shall be posted on the controlled access alcohol and beverage cabinet as required by division (B)(5) of this section.

(5) A hotel authorized to sell beer and intoxicating liquor pursuant to division (B) of this section shall post on the controlled access alcohol and beverage cabinet, in conspicuous language, the following notice:

"The alcoholic beverages contained in this cabinet shall not be removed from the premises."

(6) The hotel shall maintain a record of each sale of beer or intoxicating liquor made by the hotel by means of a controlled access alcohol and beverage cabinet for any period in which the permit holder is authorized to hold the permit pursuant to sections 4303.26 and 4303.27 of the Revised Code and any additional period during which an applicant exercises its right to appeal a rejection by the department or division of liquor control to renew a permit pursuant to section 4303.271 of the Revised Code. The records maintained by the hotel shall comply with both of the following:

(a) Include the name, address, age, and signature of each hotel guest who is provided access by the hotel to a controlled access alcohol and beverage cabinet pursuant to division (B)(1) of this section;

(b) Be made available during business hours to authorized agents of the division of liquor control pursuant to division (A)(6) of section 4301.10 of the Revised Code or to enforcement agents of the department of public safety pursuant to sections 5502.13 to 5502.19 of the Revised Code.

(7) The hotel shall observe all other applicable rules adopted by the division of liquor control and the liquor control commission.

(C) Neither the seller nor the liquor control commission by its regulations shall require the purchase of food with the purchase of beer or intoxicating liquor; nor shall the seller of beer or intoxicating liquor give away food of any kind in connection with the sale of beer or intoxicating liquor, except as authorized by rule of the liquor control commission.

(D) E xcept as provided in division (B)(8) of section 4301.62 of the Revised Code, the seller shall not permit the purchaser to remove beer or intoxicating liquor so sold from the premises.

(E) A hotel authorized to sell beer and intoxicating liquor pursuant to division (B) of this section shall provide a registered guest with the opportunity to refuse to accept a key, magnetic card, or other similar device necessary to obtain access to the contents of a controlled access alcohol and beverage cabinet in that guest room. If a registered guest refuses to accept such key, magnetic card, or other similar device, the hotel shall not assess any charges on the registered guest for use of the controlled access alcohol and beverage cabinet in that guest room.

Section 4301.22 | Rules for sales of beer and intoxicating liquor under all classes of permits and from state liquor stores.

• Effective: March 23, 2022
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 102 - 134th General Assembly

Sales of beer and intoxicating liquor under all classes of permits and from state liquor stores are subject to the following restrictions, in addition to those imposed by the rules or orders of the division of liquor control:

(A)(1) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, no beer or intoxicating liquor shall be sold to any person under twenty-one years of age.

(2) No low-alcohol beverage shall be sold to any person under eighteen years of age. No permit issued by the division shall be suspended, revoked, or canceled because of a violation of division (A)(2) of this section.

(3) Except as provided in division (A)(4) of this section, all of the following apply to the handling, serving, and selling of beer and intoxicating liquor by a person employed by a permit holder:

(a) No person under nineteen years of age shall sell beer across a bar.

(b) No person under twenty-one years of age shall sell wine, mixed beverages, or spirituous liquor across a bar.

(c) No person under eighteen years of age shall otherwise handle, serve, or sell beer or intoxicating liquor.

(4) Any person employed by a permit holder may handle beer or intoxicating liquor in sealed containers in connection with manufacturing, storage, warehousing, placement, stocking, bagging, loading, or unloading, and may handle beer or intoxicating liquor in open containers in connection with cleaning tables or handling empty bottles or glasses.

(B) No permit holder and no agent or employee of a permit holder shall sell or furnish beer or intoxicating liquor to an intoxicated person.

(C) No sales of intoxicating liquor shall be made after two-thirty a.m. on Sunday except under either of the following circumstances:

(1) Intoxicating liquor may be sold on Sunday under authority of a permit that authorizes Sunday sale.

(2) Spirituous liquor may be sold on Sunday by any person awarded an agency contract under section 4301.17 of the Revised Code if the sale of spirituous liquor is authorized in the applicable precinct as the result of an election on question (B)(1) or (2) of section 4301.351 of the Revised Code and if the agency contract authorizes the sale of spirituous liquor on Sunday.

This section does not prevent a municipal corporation from adopting a closing hour for the sale of intoxicating liquor earlier than two-thirty a.m. on Sunday or to provide that no intoxicating liquor may be sold prior to that hour on Sunday.

(D) No holder of a permit shall give away any beer or intoxicating liquor of any kind at any time in connection with the permit holder's business. However, with the exception of an A-1-A permit holder that also has been issued an A-2 or A-2f permit, an A-1-A, A-1c, or D permit holder may provide to a paying customer not more than a total of four tasting samples of beer, wine, or spirituous liquor, as authorized by the applicable permit, in any twenty-four-hour period. The permit holder shall provide the tasting samples free of charge, at the permit holder's expense, only to a person who is twenty-one years of age or older. The person shall consume the tasting samples on the premises of the permit holder. A distributor is not responsible for the costs of providing tasting samples authorized under division (D) of this section.

As used in division (D) of this section:

(1) "Tasting sample" means one of the following, as applicable:

(a) An amount not to exceed two ounces of beer;

(b) An amount not to exceed two ounces of wine;

(c) An amount not to exceed a quarter ounce of spirituous liquor.

(2) "D permit holder" means a person that has been issued a D-1, D-2, D-2x, D-3, D-3a, D-3x, D-4, D-5, D-5a, D-5c, D-5d, D-5e, D-5f, D-5g, D-5h, D-5i, D-5j, D-5k, D-5l, D-5m, D-5n, D-5o, D-6, or D-7 permit.

(E) Except as otherwise provided in this division, no retail permit holder shall display or permit the display on the outside of any licensed retail premises, or on any lot of ground on which the licensed premises are situated, or on the exterior of any building of which the licensed premises are a part, any sign, illustration, or advertisement bearing the name, brand name, trade name, trade-mark, designation, or other emblem of or indicating the manufacturer, producer, distributor, place of manufacture, production, or distribution of any beer or intoxicating liquor. Signs, illustrations, or advertisements bearing the name, brand name, trade name, trade-mark, designation, or other emblem of or indicating the manufacturer, producer, distributor, place of manufacture, production, or distribution of beer or intoxicating liquor may be displayed and permitted to be displayed on the interior or in the show windows of any licensed premises, if the particular brand or type of product so advertised is actually available for sale on the premises at the time of that display. The liquor control commission shall determine by rule the size and character of those signs, illustrations, or advertisements.

(F) No retail permit holder shall possess on the licensed premises any barrel or other container from which beer is drawn, unless there is attached to the spigot or other dispensing apparatus the name of the manufacturer of the product contained in the barrel or other container, provided that, if the beer is served at a bar, the manufacturer's name or brand shall appear in full view of the purchaser. The commission shall regulate the size and character of the devices provided for in this section.

(G) The sale of gift certificates for the purchase of beer, wine, or mixed beverages shall be permitted for the purchase of beer, wine, or mixed beverages for on- or off-premises consumption. Limitations on the use of a gift certificate for the purchase of beer, wine, or mixed beverages for on- or off-premises consumption may be expressed by clearly stamping or typing on the face of the certificate that the certificate may not be used for the purchase of beer, wine, or mixed beverages.

Last updated January 13, 2022 at 11:59 AM

Section 4301.23 | Sales of sacramental wine for religious rites.

• Effective: July 1, 1997
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 162 - 121st General Assembly

All sales of sacramental wine for religious rites shall be made only upon the written, signed, dated, and sworn application of the member of the clergy or official purchasing the same. Such application must have endorsed thereon the approval of the general administrative officer, if there is such an officer, of the religious group to which the purchasing member of the clergy or official belongs. The name, address, and official position of such administrative officer shall be certified to the division of liquor control in such manner as the liquor control commission by rule prescribes.

Section 4301.24 | Rules for manufacturers and wholesale distributors.

• Effective: March 23, 2022
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 102 - 134th General Assembly

(A) Except as provided in sections 4301.242, 4301.245, and 4301.246 of the Revised Code, no manufacturer shall aid or assist the holder of any permit for sale at wholesale, and no manufacturer or wholesale distributor shall aid or assist the holder of any permit for sale at retail, by gift or loan of any money or property of any description or other valuable thing, or by giving premiums or rebates. Except as provided in sections 4301.242, 4301.245, and 4301.246 of the Revised Code, no holder of any such permit shall accept the same, provided that the manufacturer or wholesale distributor may furnish to a retail permittee the inside signs or advertising and the tap signs or devices authorized by divisions (E) and (F) of section 4301.22 of the Revised Code.

(B) No manufacturer shall have any financial interest, directly or indirectly, by stock ownership, or through interlocking directors in a corporation, or otherwise, in the establishment, maintenance, or promotion in the business of any wholesale distributor. No retail permit holder shall have any interest, directly or indirectly, in the operation of, or any ownership in, the business of any wholesale distributor or manufacturer.

(C)(1) No manufacturer shall, except as authorized by section 4303.021 of the Revised Code, have any financial interest, directly or indirectly, by stock ownership, or through interlocking directors in a corporation, or otherwise, in the establishment, maintenance, or promotion of the business of any retail dealer. No wholesale distributor or employee of a wholesale distributor shall have any financial interest, directly or indirectly, by stock ownership, interlocking directors in a corporation, or otherwise, in the establishment, maintenance, or promotion of the business of any retail dealer. No manufacturer or wholesale distributor or any stockholder of a manufacturer or wholesale distributor shall acquire, by ownership in fee, leasehold, mortgage, or otherwise, directly or indirectly, any interest in the premises on which the business of any other person engaged in the business of trafficking in beer or intoxicating liquor is conducted.

(2) All contracts, covenants, conditions, and limitations whereby any person engaged or proposing to engage in the sale of beer or intoxicating liquors promises to confine the person's sales of a particular kind or quality of beer or intoxicating liquor to one or more products, or the products of a specified manufacturer or wholesale distributor, or to give preference to those products, shall to the extent of that promise be void. The making of a promise in any such form shall be cause for the revocation or suspension of any permit issued to any party.

(D) No manufacturer shall sell or offer to sell to any wholesale distributor or retail permit holder, no wholesale distributor shall sell or offer to sell to any retail permit holder, and no wholesale distributor or retail permit holder shall purchase or receive from any manufacturer or wholesale distributor, any beer, brewed beverages, or wine manufactured in the United States except for cash. No right of action shall exist to collect any claims for credit extended contrary to this section.

This section does not prohibit a licensee from crediting to a purchaser the actual prices charged for packages or containers returned by the original purchaser as a credit on any sale or from refunding to any purchaser the amount paid by that purchaser for containers or as a deposit on containers when title is retained by the vendor, if those containers or packages have been returned to the manufacturer or distributor. This section does not prohibit a manufacturer from extending usual and customary credit for beer, brewed beverages, or wine manufactured in the United States and sold to customers who live or maintain places of business outside this state when the beverages so sold are actually transported and delivered to points outside this state.

No wholesale or retail permit shall be issued to an applicant unless the applicant has paid in full all accounts for beer or wine, manufactured in the United States, outstanding as of September 6, 1939. No beer or wine manufactured in the United States shall be imported into the state unless the beer or wine has been paid for in cash, and no supplier registration for any such beer or wine manufactured in the United States shall be issued by the division of liquor control until the A-2, A-2f, B-1, or B-5 permit holder establishes to the satisfaction of the division that the beer or wine has been paid for in cash.

(E) This section does not prohibit any of the following:

(1) A manufacturer from securing and holding any financial interest, directly or indirectly, by stock ownership or through interlocking directors in a corporation, or otherwise, in the establishment, maintenance, or promotion of the business or premises of any C or D permit holder, provided that the following conditions are met:

(a) Either the manufacturer or one of its parent companies is listed on a national securities exchange.

(b) All purchases of alcoholic beverages by the C or D permit holder are made from wholesale distributors in this state or agency stores licensed by the division of liquor control.

(c) If the C or D permit holder sells brands of alcoholic beverages that are produced or distributed by the manufacturer that holds the financial interest, the C or D permit holder also sells other competing brands of alcoholic beverages produced by other manufacturers, no preference is given to the products of the manufacturer, and there is no exclusion, in whole or in part, of products sold or offered for sale by other manufacturers, suppliers, or importers of alcoholic beverages that constitutes a substantial impairment of commerce.

(d) The primary purpose of the C or D permit premises is a purpose other than to sell alcoholic beverages, and the sale of other goods and services exceeds fifty per cent of the total gross receipts of the C or D permit holder at its premises.

(2) A manufacturer from giving financial assistance to the holder of a B permit for the purpose of the holder purchasing an ownership interest in the business, existing inventory and equipment, or property of another B permit holder, including, but not limited to, participation in a limited liability partnership, limited liability company, or any other legal entity authorized to do business in this state. However, this section does not permit a manufacturer to give financial assistance to the holder of a B permit to purchase inventory or equipment used in the daily operation of a B permit holder.

(3) A manufacturer or subsidiary of a manufacturer from continuing to operate a wholesale distribution franchise or distribute beer or wine within a designated territory if prior to July 30, 2013, the manufacturer either acquired the distribution franchise or territory, or awarded the franchise or territory to itself or a subsidiary.

(4) A manufacturer from securing and holding an A-1c or B-2a permit or permits and operating as a wholesale distributor pursuant to such permits.

(5) A manufacturer from renting or leasing property to the holder of an F class permit for purposes of an event for which the F class permit has been issued.

(6) A permit holder that sells beer or intoxicating liquor at retail from conducting, sponsoring, or hosting an event for homemade brewers in accordance with section 4301.201 of the Revised Code.

Last updated January 13, 2022 at 11:59 AM

Section 4301.241 | Sales area or territory for B-1 permit holder to be brand distributor.

• Effective: October 11, 2002
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 371 - 124th General Assembly

Notwithstanding section 4303.06 of the Revised Code, each manufacturer and supplier of beer shall assign to each of the manufacturer's or supplier's B-1 distributors a sales area or territory within which each B-1 permit holder shall be the distributor of the brand or brands of the manufacturer or supplier, provided that, if the manufacturer or supplier manufactures or supplies more than one brand of beer, the manufacturer or supplier may assign sales areas or territories to additional B-1 distributors for the distribution and sale of the additional brand or brands, so long as not more than one distributor distributes the same brand or brands within the same sales area or territory. No B-1 distributor shall distribute a specific brand of beer in any area or territory other than the area or territory assigned to the distributor.

Section 4301.242 | Manufacturers and wholesale distributors - permitted conduct.

• Effective: March 29, 2006
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 209 - 126th General Assembly

(A) Notwithstanding the restrictions placed on manufacturers, wholesale distributors, and holders of permits for sale at retail or wholesale in section 4301.24 of the Revised Code, a manufacturer or wholesale distributor may engage in the following conduct, provided that the conduct does not lead to control of a permit holder by another person:

(1) A manufacturer or wholesale distributor may accept from or provide to a manufacturer or wholesale distributor travel, lodging, food, and beverages.

(2) A manufacturer or wholesale distributor may provide to a retail permit holder or the permit holder's employees or agents food, beverages, and recreational activities under either of the following circumstances:

(a) Food and beverages are provided by the manufacturer or wholesale distributor or the manufacturer's or wholesale distributor's employees or agents during a business meeting with a retail permit holder or the permit holder's employees or agents.

(b) Recreational activities are enjoyed in the presence of the retail permit holder or the permit holder's employees or agents and the manufacturer or wholesale distributor or the manufacturer's or wholesale distributor's employees or agents who are paying for the recreational activities.

(B) As used in this section, "recreational activities" includes sporting events, concerts, theatrical performances, and other forms of entertainment.

Section 4301.243 | Giving things of value in connection with purchase of alcoholic beverage.

• Effective: September 29, 2015
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 64 - 131st General Assembly

(A) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter or Chapter 4303. of the Revised Code, a manufacturer, supplier, or solicitor registered pursuant to section 4303.25 of the Revised Code, or an agent or employee of a manufacturer or supplier, excluding a distributor or retail permit holder, may give merchandise or another thing of value to a personal consumer in connection with the purchase of an alcoholic beverage if both of the following apply:

(1) The value of the merchandise or other thing of value does not meet or exceed the retail price of the alcoholic beverage purchased by the personal consumer;

(2) The merchandise or other thing of value is not made by or awarded through a distributor or retail permit holder.

(B) As used in this section, "personal consumer" means an individual who is at least twenty-one years of age, does not hold a permit issued under chapter 4303. of the Revised Code, and intends to use a purchased alcoholic beverage for personal consumption only and not for resale or other commercial purposes.

Section 4301.244 | Beer not intoxicating liquor.

• Effective: August 31, 2016
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 37 - 131st General Assembly

Beer, regardless of the per cent of alcohol b y volume, is not intoxicating liquor for purposes of the Revised Code or any rules adopted under it.

Section 4301.245 | Use of social media for advertising.

• Effective: June 8, 2022
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 9 - 134th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Broker" and "solicitor" have the same meanings as in rules adopted by the superintendent of liquor control under section 4303.25 of the Revised Code.

(2) "On-premises brand promotion" means a promotion of a brand of beer or intoxicating liquor by a distributor, manufacturer, trade marketing professional, solicitor, or broker of that brand at a retail permit premises.

(3) "Product location communication" means a listing or program that allows an individual to determine the availability of a specific brand of beer or intoxicating liquor at retail permit holders or agency stores in a certain geographic area.

(4) "Social media" means a service, platform, or web site where users communicate with one another free of charge and share media such as pictures, videos, music, and blogs. "Social media" includes the web site of a distributor, manufacturer, trade marketing professional, solicitor, or broker.

(5) "Trade marketing professional" has the same meaning as in section 4301.171 of the Revised Code.

(B) Notwithstanding section 4301.24 of the Revised Code and except as provided in division (C) of this section, a distributor, manufacturer, trade marketing professional, solicitor, or broker may use free services provided by social media to advertise any of the following:

(1) An on-premises brand promotion;

(2) Beer, wine, or spirituous liquor tasting samples sold in accordance with this chapter or Chapter 4303. of the Revised Code;

(3) A product location communication.

(C) No distributor, manufacturer, trade marketing professional, solicitor, or broker shall use free services provided by social media to advertise to persons under twenty-one years of age.

Last updated March 23, 2022 at 9:41 AM

Section 4301.246 | Gifts of glassware.

• Effective: April 12, 2021
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 674 - 133rd General Assembly

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Case" means twenty-four individual pieces of glassware.

(2) "Glassware" means a glass container to which all of the following apply:

(a) It has the brand name of a beer or the name of the manufacturer or supplier of the beer permanently affixed, embossed, or engraved on the container;

(b) It has the brand name of the beer or the name of the manufacturer or supplier of the beer prominently displayed on the container;

(c) It holds not more than twenty-four ounces of liquid.

(3) "Receipt" means a record, either in paper or digital format, that contains all of the following information:

(a) The name and address of the permit holder authorized to sell beer for on-premises consumption that receives glassware from a manufacturer or supplier;

(b) The name and address of the manufacturer or supplier that provides glassware to the permit holder;

(c) The name of the employee or agent of the permit holder that receives the glassware;

(d) The date that the glassware is provided to the permit holder;

(e) The amount, if any, that the manufacturer or supplier charged the permit holder for the glassware;

(f) The permit holder's permit number;

(g) A description and the amount of glassware provided to the permit holder;

(h) The amount that the manufacturer or supplier paid to have the glassware manufactured.

(B) Notwithstanding section 4301.24 of the Revised Code, a manufacturer or supplier may provide glassware intended for the serving of beer to a permit holder authorized to sell beer for on-premises consumption if the manufacturer or supplier provides a receipt to the permit holder. However, the manufacturer or supplier shall not annually provide more than four cases of such glassware to the permit holder.

(C) A permit holder authorized to sell for on-premises consumption may receive glassware intended for the serving of beer from a manufacturer or supplier.

Section 4301.25 | Suspension or revocation of liquor permit.

• Effective: August 17, 2006
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 23 - 126th General Assembly

(A) The liquor control commission may suspend or revoke any permit issued under this chapter or Chapter 4303. of the Revised Code for the violation of any of the applicable restrictions of either chapter or of any lawful rule of the commission, for other sufficient cause, and for the following causes:

(1) Conviction of the holder or the holder's agent or employee for violating division (B) of section 2907.39 of the Revised Code or a section of this chapter or Chapter 4303. of the Revised Code or for a felony;

(2) The entry of a judgment pursuant to division (D) or (E) of section 3767.05 of the Revised Code against a permit holder or the holder's agent or employee finding the existence of a nuisance at a liquor permit premises or finding the existence of a nuisance as a result of the operation of a liquor permit premises;

(3) Making any false material statement in an application for a permit;

(4) Assigning, transferring, or pledging a permit contrary to the rules of the commission;

(5) Selling or promising to sell beer or intoxicating liquor to a wholesale or retail dealer who is not the holder of a proper permit at the time of the sale or promise;

(6) Failure of the holder of a permit to pay an excise tax together with any penalties imposed by the law relating to that failure and for violation of any rule of the department of taxation in pursuance of the tax and penalties.

(B) The liquor control commission shall revoke a permit issued pursuant to this chapter or Chapter 4303. of the Revised Code upon the conviction of the holder of the permit of a violation of division (C)(1) of section 2913.46 of the Revised Code.

(C)(1) When the commission considers the length of a suspension of a permit, it may consider the volume of the business of the permit holder, so that the length of the suspension is in proportion to the seriousness of the offense and the permit holder's business in order that the suspension serve as a penalty and a deterrent. Evidence as to the volume of business of the permit holder may be offered by the permit holder or subpoenaed by the commission.

(2) When the commission considers the length of a proposed suspension of a permit and the proposed suspension results from an offense that was committed during a compliance check as defined in section 4301.635 of the Revised Code, the commission may consider whether trickery, deceit, or deception was used in the conduct of the compliance check.

Section 4301.251 | Emergency suspension of retail beer or liquor permits and retail sales of spirituous liquor.

• Effective: March 4, 1998
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 60 - 121st General Assembly

When so ordered by the governor, the director or, beginning on July 1, 1997, the superintendent of liquor control shall immediately and without a hearing suspend, for a period of not less than twenty-four hours nor more than seventy-two hours, any retail beer or liquor permit issued under Chapters 4301. and 4303. of the Revised Code and the retail sales of spirituous liquor by any state liquor store or agency for premises within any area where the director or superintendent designates that civil disorder, looting, or rioting exists.

Such order of emergency suspension shall contain an identifiable description of the area in which such retail permits and sales by stores and agencies are suspended and shall specify the calendar date and hour of the beginning and the calendar date and hour of the ending of such suspension period. A written copy of such order shall be served upon the owner, operator, manager, agent, bartender, or clerk of such beer or liquor permit premises, upon the manager or clerk of a state liquor store, or upon the agent, manager, or clerk of a state liquor agency by any law enforcement agency or officer designated by the director or superintendent.

The law enforcement officer, upon serving such emergency suspension order, shall forthwith fill in and sign a return of service form provided by the director or superintendent of liquor control, on which the officer shall write the name and address of the permit premises or the state liquor store or agency, the name and title of the person on whom such suspension order was served, and the day, hour, and address at which such service was made.

Upon receipt of such copy of the emergency suspension order by the owner, operator, manager, agent, bartender, or clerk of such retail beer or liquor permit premises or the state liquor store or agency, no beer, intoxicating liquor, or spirituous liquor shall be permitted to be consumed or sold at or upon such permit premises or the state liquor store or agency.

Upon completion of the return of service form, the law enforcement officer shall cause it to be transmitted immediately to the nearest district office of the department or, beginning on July 1, 1997, the division of liquor control, where it shall be filed, recorded, and reported forthwith by telephone or teletype to the central office of the department or division of liquor control.

Any subsequent order by the governor, to cancel or continue such order of emergency suspension or to diminish or expand the area of the last issued emergency suspension order, shall be processed and carried out in the same manner as that required for the issuance of the original order of emergency suspension.

Section 4301.252 | Option of paying forfeiture rather than suspending operations.

• Effective: February 17, 2006
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 140 - 126th General Assembly

(A)(1) Except as provided in divisions (A)(2)(d), (B), and (C) of this section, when the liquor control commission determines that the permit of any permit holder is to be suspended under Title XLIII of the Revised Code or any rule of the commission, the commission may issue an order allowing a permit holder to elect to pay a forfeiture for each day of the suspension in accordance with division (A)(2) of this section, rather than to suspend operations under the permit holder's permit issued for the premises at which the violation occurred.

(2)(a) If the permit holder has not violated, at the premises for which the permit holder's permit was issued, any provision of Title XLIII of the Revised Code or rule of the commission during the preceding two years, the amount of the forfeiture for each day for the suspension shall be from one hundred to two hundred dollars.

(b) If the permit holder has violated, at the premises for which the permit holder's permit was issued, any provision of Title XLIII of the Revised Code or rule of the commission for which the permit holder has been disciplined by the commission not more than one other time during the preceding two years, the amount of the forfeiture for each day of the suspension shall be from two hundred to four hundred dollars.

(c) Except as provided under division (A)(2)(e) of this section, if the permit holder has violated, at the premises for which the permit holder's permit was issued, any provision of Title XLIII of the Revised Code or rule of the commission for which the permit holder has been disciplined by the commission more than once, but not more than twice, during the preceding two years, the commission shall establish the amount of the forfeiture for each day of the suspension, but the amount shall be not less than three hundred dollars for each day of suspension.

(d) If the permit holder has violated, at the premises for which the permit holder's permit was issued, any provision of Title XLIII of the Revised Code or rule of the commission for which the permit holder has been disciplined by the commission more than twice during the preceding two years, the commission may suspend or revoke the permit issued for the premises at which the violation occurred, or the commission shall establish the amount of the forfeiture for each day of a suspension, but the amount shall not be less than five hundred dollars for each day of suspension. The commission, and not the permit holder, shall determine whether the permit holder shall pay the forfeiture so established for a suspension instead of having the permit holder's permit suspended or revoked.

(e) If the permit holder has committed, at the premises for which the permit holder's permit was issued, a gambling offense as defined in section 2915.01, a drug abuse offense as defined in section 2925.01, or an offense described in section 2907.07, 2907.21, 2907.22, 2907.23, 2907.24, or 2907.25, division (A) or (B) of section 4301.22, or section 4301.69 of the Revised Code or a municipal ordinance substantially equivalent to any offense defined or described in a section or division listed in division (A)(2)(e) of this section for which the permit holder has been disciplined by the commission more than once, but not more than twice, during the preceding two years, the commission may suspend or revoke the permit issued for the premises at which the violation occurred. A person does not have to plead guilty to or be convicted of an offense defined or described in a section or division listed in division (A)(2)(e) of this section in order for this division to apply.

(3) When the commission issues an order allowing a permit holder the option of paying a forfeiture rather than suspending operations under the permit holder's permit issued for the premises at which the violation occurred, the order shall notify the permit holder of the option of paying a forfeiture. The order shall state the number of days for which the permit may be suspended, that the permit holder has twenty-one days after the date on which the order is sent to pay the full amount of the forfeiture by bank check, certified check, or money order, and that, if the permit holder does not do so, the permit holder's permit issued for the premises at which the violation occurred shall be suspended for the period stated in the order. If the permit holder fails to pay the full amount of the forfeiture by bank check, certified check, or money order within twenty-one days after the date on which the order is sent, the commission shall issue an order suspending the permit holder's permit issued for the premises at which the violation occurred for the period stated in the order allowing payment of a forfeiture. The suspension shall be effective on the twenty-eighth day after the date on which the order allowing the payment of a forfeiture is sent. Even a permit holder who pays a forfeiture may file an appeal under section 119.12 of the Revised Code. A permit holder shall be considered to have paid a forfeiture when the permit holder's bank check, certified check, or money order is received by the commission in Columbus. Upon receipt of a permit holder's bank check, certified check, or money order under this division, the commission shall promptly notify the division of liquor control of its receipt.

(B) No permit holder shall be permitted to pay a forfeiture instead of having the permit holder's permit issued for the premises at which the violation occurred suspended if the suspension is ordered for the reasons stated in division (A)(6) of section 4301.25 of the Revised Code.

(C) When the evidence and the nature of any violation of Title XLIII of the Revised Code show that continued operation of the permit premises presents a clear and present danger to public health and safety, or if the commission finds, upon reliable, probative, and substantial evidence, that the statutory elements of a felony committed in connection with the operation of the permit premises are present in the action for which the permit holder is being disciplined, the commission may suspend the permit issued for the premises at which the violation occurred and shall not allow the permit holder to pay a forfeiture instead of suspending the permit holder's permit operations.

(D) Except as provided in this division, when the commission determines that the permit of any permit holder is to be revoked under Title XLIII of the Revised Code or any rule of the commission, the commission may issue an order allowing a permit holder to elect to pay a forfeiture rather than to revoke the permit holder's permit issued for the premises at which the violation occurred.

When the commission issues an order allowing a permit holder the option of paying a forfeiture rather than revoking the permit holder's permit, the order shall notify the permit holder of the option of paying a forfeiture. The order shall state the effective date of the revocation of the permit holder's permit as twenty-eight days after the date on which the order is sent, that the permit holder has twenty-one days after the date on which the order is sent to pay the full amount of the forfeiture by bank check, certified check, or money order, and that, if the permit holder does not do so, the permit holder's permit issued for the premises at which the violation occurred shall be revoked on the effective date stated in the order. If the permit holder fails to pay the full amount of the forfeiture by bank check, certified check, or money order within twenty-one days after the date on which the order is sent, the commission shall issue an order revoking the permit holder's permit issued for the premises at which the violation occurred. The revocation shall be effective on the twenty-eighth day after the date on which the order allowing the payment of a forfeiture is sent. A permit holder shall be considered to have paid a forfeiture when the permit holder's bank check, certified check, or money order is received by the commission in Columbus. Upon receipt of a permit holder's bank check, certified check, or money order, the commission shall promptly notify the division of liquor control of its receipt.

When the evidence and the nature of any violation of Title XLIII of the Revised Code show that continued operation of the permit premises presents a clear and present danger to public health and safety, or if the commission finds, upon reliable, probative, and substantial evidence, that the statutory elements of a felony committed in connection with the operation of the permit premises are present in the action for which the permit holder is being disciplined, the commission may revoke the permit issued for the premises at which the violation occurred and shall not allow the permit holder to pay a forfeiture instead of revoking the permit holder's permit.

No permit holder shall be permitted to pay a forfeiture instead of having the permit holder's permit issued for the premises at which the violation occurred revoked if the revocation is ordered for the reasons stated in division (A)(6) or (B) of section 4301.25 of the Revised Code.

Section 4301.253 | Training program.

• Effective: April 7, 2004
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 23 - 125th General Assembly

In considering whether to suspend or revoke a permit issued under Chapter 4303. of the Revised Code or to issue an order allowing a permit holder to elect to pay a forfeiture under section 4301.252 of the Revised Code, the liquor control commission shall consider whether the permit holder and the permit holder's employees have successfully completed a training program that includes all of the following:

(A) Instruction on the statutes and rules that govern the sale of beer, wine, mixed beverages, and intoxicating liquor;

(B) Instruction on the prevention of the illegal serving of beer, wine, mixed beverages, and intoxicating liquor to persons under twenty-one years of age;

(C) Use of conflict management skills in alcohol-related situations;

(D) Instruction on methods to safely evacuate the premises of a permit holder in an emergency.

Section 4301.26 | No-fault cancellation of permits.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

The liquor control commission may cancel permits issued pursuant to Chapters 4301. and 4303. of the Revised Code in the event of death or bankruptcy of the holder, the making of an assignment for the benefit of the creditors of the holder, or the appointment of a receiver of the property of the holder, except as otherwise provided in the rules of the division of liquor control relative to the transfer of permits.

Last updated September 1, 2023 at 11:18 AM

Section 4301.27 | Revoking or cancelling permits.

• Effective: July 1, 1997
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 162 - 121st General Assembly

The liquor control commission may revoke or cancel any permit on its own initiative or on complaint of the division of liquor control or of any person, after a hearing at which the holder shall be given an opportunity to be heard in such manner and upon such notice as prescribed by the rules of the commission.

Section 4301.28 | Appeals to liquor control commission.

• Effective: April 9, 2001
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 262 - 123rd General Assembly

(A)(1) Any person aggrieved may appeal to the liquor control commission from the action of the division of liquor control in refusing to issue a permit.

(2) The commission shall not hear or consider any appeal involving any agency contract entered into under section 4301.17 of the Revised Code.

(B) If the legislative authority of a municipal corporation, a board of township trustees, or the board of county commissioners participated in a hearing conducted under section 4303.26 of the Revised Code for the transfer of location of a class C or D permit, transfer of a class C or D permit, or issuance of a class C or D permit or under division (B) of section 4303.271 of the Revised Code for the renewal of a class C or D permit, the legislative authority or board may appeal to the liquor control commission from the order of the division of liquor control issuing, transferring, or renewing a permit, or transferring a location, or participate or be joined as a party in an appeal from an order of the division denying the issuance, transfer, or renewal of a permit or the transfer of a location.

In an appeal on the issuance or the transfer of a location of a permit, only the reasons for refusal contained in section 4303.292 of the Revised Code shall be considered. In an appeal on the transfer of ownership of a permit, only the reasons for refusal contained in divisions (A) and (B)(1) of section 4303.292 of the Revised Code shall be considered. In an appeal on the renewal of a permit, only the objections considered at the hearing under section 4303.271 of the Revised Code shall be considered.

The commission shall send notice of an appeal by a political subdivision by certified mail to the applicant for a new permit or to the permit holder at the permit holder's usual place of business, to the superintendent of liquor control, and to the office of the attorney general. The commission shall also send notice by certified mail of an appeal by a permit holder from an order denying the transfer or renewal of a permit, or the transfer of a location, or of an appeal by an applicant for a new permit from an order denying the issuance of a permit to the legislative authority or board of the political subdivision that participated in the hearing on the issuance, renewal, or transfer, to the superintendent and to the office of the attorney general.

If a legislative authority or board is a party under this division to an appeal before the commission, the legislative authority or board may appeal under section 119.12 of the Revised Code from an order of the commission affirming the issuance, transfer, or renewal of a permit, or the transfer of a location, or participate or be joined as a party in an appeal under that section from an order of the commission denying the issuance, transfer, or renewal of a permit, or transfer of a location. If a court determines that there was not reasonable cause for an appeal by a political subdivision, it shall require the political subdivision to pay reasonable expenses of the appellee, including attorney fees and costs.

The prosecuting attorney of the county shall represent the county or any township located within the county, unless the township has adopted a limited home rule government under Chapter 504. of the Revised Code, in which case the township law director shall represent the township, in any hearing or appeal under this section or section 119.12, 4303.26, or 4303.271 of the Revised Code in which the county or township is a party. The village solicitor or city law director of the municipal corporation shall represent the municipal corporation in any hearing or appeal under this section or section 119.12, 4303.26, or 4303.271 of the Revised Code in which the municipal corporation is a party.

If a permit holder appeals under section 119.12 of the Revised Code from an order of the commission denying the transfer or renewal of a permit, or the transfer of a location, or if an applicant for a new permit appeals from an order of the commission denying the issuance of a permit, the commission shall send notice of the appeal by certified mail to the legislative authority or board of the political subdivision that was a party to an appeal before the commission.

(C) At least twenty-one days before the date by which a permit holder must pay any forfeiture pursuant to an order issued under section 4301.252 of the Revised Code, and at least twenty-one days before the effective date of an order issued by the liquor control commission, revoking, or suspending a liquor permit, except for a suspension imposed under division (A)(3) of section 4301.252 of the Revised Code, the commission shall send a copy of the order by certified mail to the holder, addressed to the holder at the premises named in the permit, and shall also send by certified mail copies of the order to the chief of police, marshal, or chief police officer of the municipal corporation in which the premises for which the permit was issued are situated, or to the sheriff of the county or constable of the township, in case the permit was issued for premises situated outside any municipal corporation. A copy of an order revoking or canceling a permit or allowing the payment of a forfeiture under section 4301.252 of the Revised Code shall be sent to such officer at the same time as a copy is sent to the permit holder; a copy of an order suspending a permit shall be sent to such officer when the commission determines under section 4301.252 of the Revised Code that the suspension is to become effective. The order shall contain a statement of the number of the permit, the name of the holder, the location of the premises for which the permit was issued, and the date when the revocation or cancellation is to be effective, or, in case of suspension, the beginning and ending dates of the suspension period and such other information in the notice to the permit holder as is required by section 4301.252 of the Revised Code. The holder of such a revoked or cancelled permit shall, on the effective date of the order of revocation or cancellation, immediately surrender the permit by mailing or delivering it to the superintendent of liquor control by certified mail. If the revoked or canceled permit is not surrendered, the superintendent shall issue a written demand for its surrender and deliver the demand to the chief of police, marshal, or other chief police officer of the municipal corporation or to the sheriff of the county, or to the constable of the township, in which the premises for which the permit is issued are located, or to any designated agent of the division of liquor control, and the chief of police, marshal, or other chief police officer of the municipal corporation, sheriff, constable, or agent shall immediately demand and secure possession of the revoked or cancelled permit and return it by certified mail to the superintendent.

When a permit has been so suspended by order of the liquor control commission, the permit holder shall not sell any alcoholic beverages at such permit premises during the effective period stated in the order of a suspension, and shall cover the permit by posting a copy of the suspension order over the permit, and the order of suspension shall remain so posted on the permit premises until termination of the suspension period. Upon termination of the suspension period, the permit holder may remove the copy of the suspension order from the permit and may resume the sale of alcoholic beverages as authorized by the permit and in compliance with Chapters 4301. and 4303. of the Revised Code.

The foregoing paragraph of this section is inapplicable while a stay order is in effect as a result of an appeal taken by a permit holder from an order of revocation, cancellation, or suspension or from an order that allows the payment of a forfeiture under section 4301.252 of the Revised Code, pursuant to section 119.12 of the Revised Code. A copy of the stay order shall be posted on the premises of the permit holder and shall be furnished by the division to the appropriate officer, as the case may be, such as the chief of police, marshal, constable, or sheriff.

A permit holder desiring to file a notice of appeal under section 119.12 of the Revised Code with respect to any order of the commission as described in this division shall do so within twenty-one days after the mailing of the notice of the commission's order as provided in section 119.12 of the Revised Code.

Section 4301.29 | Seizure of beer, intoxicating liquor or alcohol.

• Effective: July 1, 2007
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 241 - 126th General Assembly

(A) Whenever the department of public safety seizes beer or intoxicating liquor, the department shall destroy or distribute the beer or intoxicating liquor, in accordance with sections 2981.11 to 2981.13 of the Revised Code.

(B)(1) In case of any seizure of beer or intoxicating liquor under execution of any judgment rendered against the holder of a permit, in relation to the foreclosure of any lien on any beer or intoxicating liquor belonging to a holder of a permit, in relation to the insolvency or bankruptcy of a holder of a permit, or in any other case in which judicial process is employed to subject any beer or intoxicating liquor belonging to or in the possession of the holder of a permit to any claim, the person seizing the beer or intoxicating liquor or the person's designee may sell it, subject to division (B)(2) of this section, after obtaining the written consent of the division of liquor control. Proceeds from the sale of the beer or intoxicating liquor shall be paid in accordance with the applicable law and the orders of the court issuing the process.

(2) Beer or intoxicating liquor that is sold under division (B)(1) of this section shall not be sold to or purchased by the holder of a liquor permit, an applicant for a liquor permit, or any other business.

Section 4301.30 | Deposit and distribution of fees.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) All fees collected by the division of liquor control shall be deposited in the state treasury to the credit of the undivided liquor permit fund, which is hereby created, at the time prescribed under section 4301.12 of the Revised Code. Each payment shall be accompanied by a statement showing separately the amount collected for each class of permits in each municipal corporation and in each township outside the limits of any municipal corporation in such township.

(B)(1) An amount equal to forty-five per cent of the fund shall be paid from the fund into the state liquor regulatory fund, which is hereby created in the state treasury. The state liquor regulatory fund shall be used to pay the operating expenses of the division of liquor control in administering and enforcing Title XLIII of the Revised Code and the operating expenses of the liquor control commission. Investment earnings of the fund shall be credited to the fund.

(2) Whenever, in the judgment of the director of budget and management, the amount of money that is in the state liquor regulatory fund is in excess of the amount that is needed to pay the operating expenses of the division in administering and enforcing Title XLIII of the Revised Code and the operating expenses of the commission, the director shall credit the excess amount to the general revenue fund.

(C) Twenty per cent of the undivided liquor permit fund shall be paid into the statewide treatment and prevention fund, which is hereby created in the state treasury. This amount shall be appropriated by the general assembly, together with an amount equal to one and one-half per cent of the gross profit of the division of liquor control derived under division (B)(4) of section 4301.10 of the Revised Code, to the department of mental health and addiction services. In planning for the allocation of and in allocating these amounts for the purposes of Chapter 5119. of the Revised Code, the department shall comply with the nondiscrimination provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and any rules adopted under that act.

(D) Thirty-five per cent of the undivided liquor permit fund shall be distributed by the superintendent of liquor control at quarterly calendar periods as follows:

(1) To each municipal corporation, the aggregate amount shown by the statements to have been collected from permits in the municipal corporation, for the use of the general fund of the municipal corporation;

(2) To each township, the aggregate amount shown by the statements to have been collected from permits in its territory, outside the limits of any municipal corporation located in the township, for the use of the general fund of the township, or for fire protection purposes, including buildings and equipment in the township or in an established fire district within the township, to the extent that the funds are derived from liquor permits within the territory comprising such fire district.

(E) For the purpose of the distribution required by this section, E, H, and D permits covering boats or vessels are deemed to have been issued in the municipal corporation or township wherein the owner or operator of the vehicle, boat, vessel, or dining car equipment to which the permit relates has the owner's or operator's principal office or place of business within the state.

(F) If the division determines that the police or other officers of any municipal corporation or township entitled to share in distributions under this section are refusing or culpably neglecting to enforce this chapter and Chapter 4303. of the Revised Code, or the penal laws of this state relating to the manufacture, importation, transportation, distribution, and sale of beer and intoxicating liquors, or if the prosecuting officer of a municipal corporation or a municipal court fails to comply with the request of the division authorized by division (A)(4) of section 4301.10 of the Revised Code, the division, by certified mail or by electronic means as determined by the superintendent to provide proper notice under the laws of this state, may notify the chief executive officer of the municipal corporation or the board of township trustees of the township of the failure and require the immediate cooperation of the responsible officers of the municipal corporation or township with the division in the enforcement of those chapters and penal laws. Within thirty days after the notice is served, the division shall determine whether the requirement has been complied with. If the division determines that the requirement has not been complied with, it may withhold the distributive share of the municipal corporation or township. This action of the division is reviewable within thirty days thereafter in the court of common pleas of Franklin county.

(G) All fees collected by the division of liquor control from the issuance or renewal of B-2a, S-1, and S-2 permits, and paid by B-2a, S-1, and S-2 permit holders who do not also hold A-1 or A-1c permits or A-2 or A-2f permits, shall be deposited in the state treasury to the credit of the state liquor regulatory fund. Once during each fiscal year, an amount equal to fifty per cent of the fees collected shall be paid from the state liquor regulatory fund into the general revenue fund.

Last updated September 18, 2023 at 9:30 AM

Section 4301.31 | Jurisdiction - immunity.

• Effective: June 30, 1999
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 163 - 123rd General Assembly

Except as provided in section 4301.28 of the Revised Code, no court, other than the court of common pleas of Franklin county, has jurisdiction of any action against the liquor control commission, enforcement agents of the department of public safety, the superintendent of liquor control, or the division of liquor control, to restrain the exercise of any power or to compel the performance of any duty under Chapters 4301. and 4303. of the Revised Code. Neither the division, the members of the commission, the enforcement agents, nor the superintendent is personally liable in any action at law for damages sustained by any person because of any acts done by the division, the commission, the enforcement agents, or the superintendent, or any employee of the division, in the performance of official duties and the administration of those chapters.

Section 4301.32 | Local option privilege.

• Effective: March 30, 1999
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 402 - 122nd General Assembly

The privilege of local option as to the sale of intoxicating liquors is hereby conferred upon the electors of an election precinct named by the petition authorized by section 4301.33 of the Revised Code.

Upon the request of an elector, a board of elections of a county that encompasses an election precinct shall furnish to the elector a copy of the instructions prepared by the secretary of state under division (P) of section 3501.05 of the Revised Code and, within fifteen days after the request, with a certificate indicating the number of valid signatures that will be required upon a petition to hold a special election in that precinct on a question specified in section 4301.35 or 4301.351 of the Revised Code.

Section 4301.321 | Local option sale of beer or intoxicating liquor by class C or D permit at particular premises.

• Effective: March 30, 1999
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 402 - 122nd General Assembly

The electors of an election precinct may exercise the privilege of local option over the sale of beer or intoxicating liquor by the holder of a class C or D permit at a particular premises situated within the precinct if, within one year prior to the local option election, the permit premises was declared a nuisance, as defined in division (C) of section 3767.01 of the Revised Code and a judgment was entered pursuant to division (D) or (E) of section 3767.05 of the Revised Code in a civil action brought under section 3767.03 or 3767.04 of the Revised Code. The privilege conferred by this section is in addition to the privilege conferred on the electors of the precincts or districts specified in section 4301.32, 4301.322, 4301.323, or 4305.14 of the Revised Code.

Section 4301.322 | Local option where status of portion of precinct or residence district is inconsistent with remainder.

• Effective: March 30, 1999
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 402 - 122nd General Assembly

The electors of an election precinct may exercise the privilege of local option under sections 4301.353 and 4301.354 of the Revised Code on the sale of beer, the sale of wine and mixed beverages, or the sale of spirituous liquor, on Sunday or on other days of the week, in a portion of the precinct in which the status of such sales as allowed or prohibited is inconsistent with the status of such sales in the remainder of the precinct because of a change in precinct boundaries by the board of elections or an annexation of territory to a municipal corporation. The privilege conferred by this section is in addition to the privilege conferred on the electors of an election precinct as specified in section 4301.32, 4301.321, 4303.29, or 4305.14 of the Revised Code.

Section 4301.323 | Conditions for exercising privilege of local option at a particular location.

• Effective: May 7, 2004
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 262 - 125th General Assembly

The electors of an election precinct may exercise the privilege of local option on the sale of beer, wine and mixed beverages, or spirituous liquor at a particular location within the precinct if the petitioner for local option election is one of the following:

(A) An applicant for the issuance or transfer of a liquor permit at, or to, a particular location within the precinct;

(B) The holder of a liquor permit at a particular location within the precinct;

(C) A person who operates or seeks to operate a liquor agency store at a particular location within the precinct;

(D) The designated agent for an applicant, liquor permit holder, or liquor agency store described in division (A), (B), or (C) of this section.

The privilege conferred by this section is in addition to the privilege conferred on the electors of precincts under section 4301.32, 4301.321, 4301.322, or 4305.14 of the Revised Code.

Section 4301.324 | Local option - community facility.

• Effective: March 30, 1999
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 402 - 122nd General Assembly

The electors of a municipal corporation or the unincorporated area of a township may exercise the privilege of local option on the sale of beer and any intoxicating liquor at a particular location within the municipal corporation or unincorporated area of the township if the use of the location is as a community facility. Only the electors of the municipal corporation or the unincorporated area of a township may exercise this election privilege even if the community facility is partially or wholly owned by the state of Ohio.

Section 4301.33 | Local option petition.

• Effective: March 23, 2022
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 102 - 134th General Assembly

(A) The board of elections shall provide to a petitioner circulating a petition for an election for the submission of one or more of the questions specified in section 4301.35 or 4301.351 of the Revised Code, at the time of taking out the petition, both of the following:

(1) The names of the streets and, if appropriate, the address numbers of residences and business establishments within the precinct in which the election is sought;

(2) A form prescribed by the secretary of state for notifying affected permit holders and liquor agency stores of the circulation of a petition for an election for the submission of one or more of the questions specified in section 4301.35 or 4301.351 of the Revised Code.

The petitioner shall, not less than fifty-five days before the petition-filing deadline for the election, as provided in this section, file with the division of liquor control the information regarding names of streets and, if appropriate, address numbers of residences and business establishments provided by the board of elections, and specify to the division the precinct that is concerned and that would be affected by the results of the election and the filing deadline. The division shall, within a reasonable period of time and not later than twenty-five days before the filing deadline, supply the petitioner with a list of the names and addresses of permit holders and liquor agency stores, if any, that would be affected by the election. The list shall contain a heading with the following words: "Liquor permit holders and liquor agency stores that would be affected by the question(s) set forth on petition for a local option election."

Within five days after a petitioner has received from the division the list of liquor permit holders and liquor agency stores, if any, that would be affected by the question or questions set forth on a petition for local option election, the petitioner shall, using the form provided by the board of elections, notify by certified mail each permit holder and liquor agency store whose name appears on that list. The form for notifying affected permit holders and liquor agency stores shall require the petitioner to state the petitioner's name and street address and shall contain a statement that a petition is being circulated for an election for the submission of the question or questions specified in section 4301.35 or 4301.351 of the Revised Code. The form shall require the petitioner to state the question or questions to be submitted as they appear on the petition.

The petitioner shall attach a copy of the list provided by the division to each petition paper. A part petition paper circulated at any time without the list of affected permit holders and liquor agency stores attached to it is invalid.

At the time the petitioner files the petition with the board of elections, the petitioner shall provide to the board the list supplied by the division and an affidavit certifying that the petitioner notified all affected permit holders and liquor agency stores, if any, on the list in the manner and within the time required in this section and that, at the time each signer of the petition affixed the signer's signature to the petition, the petition paper contained a copy of the list of affected permit holders and liquor agency stores.

Within five days after receiving a petition, the board shall give notice by certified mail that it has received the petition to all liquor permit holders and liquor agency stores, if any, whose names appear on the list of affected permit holders and liquor agency stores filed by the petitioner. Failure of the petitioner to supply the affidavit required by this section and a complete and accurate list of liquor permit holders and liquor agency stores, if any, invalidates the entire petition. The board of elections shall provide to a permit holder or liquor agency store that would be affected by a proposed local option election, on the permit holder's or liquor agency store's request, the names of the streets, and, if appropriate, the address numbers of residences and business establishments within the precinct in which the election is sought that would be affected by the results of the election. The board may charge a reasonable fee for this information when provided to the petitioner and the permit holder or liquor agency store.

(B) The petitioner shall present the petition to the board of elections of the county where the precinct is located not later than four p.m. of the ninetieth day before the day of a general election or a special election held on a day on which a primary election may be held. The petitioner shall ensure that the petition designates whether it is a petition for an election for the submission of one or more of the questions specified in section 4301.35 of the Revised Code, or a petition for the submission of one or more of the questions specified in section 4301.351 of the Revised Code. The petitioner also shall ensure that the petition designates the particular question or questions specified in section 4301.35 or 4301.351 of the Revised Code that are to be submitted. The petition shall be signed by the number of qualified electors of the precinct concerned as specified in division (C) of this section.

The board shall submit the question or questions specified in the petition to the electors of the precinct concerned, on the day of the next general election or the next special election held on a day on which a primary election may be held, whichever occurs first and shall proceed as follows:

(1) Such board shall, not later than the seventy-eighth day before the day of the election for which the question or questions on the petition would qualify for submission to the electors of the precinct, examine and determine the sufficiency of the signatures and review, examine, and determine the validity of the petition and, in case of overlapping precinct petitions presented within that period, determine which of the petitions shall govern the further proceedings of the board. In the case where the board determines that two or more overlapping petitions are valid, the earlier filed petition shall govern. The board shall certify the sufficiency and validity of any petition determined to be valid. The board shall determine the validity of the petition as of the time of certification as described in this division.

(2) If a petition is sufficient, and, in case of overlapping precinct petitions, after the board has determined the governing petition, the board to which the petition has been presented shall order the holding of a special election in the precinct for the submission of whichever of the questions specified in section 4301.35 or 4301.351 of the Revised Code are designated in the petition, on the day of the next general election or the next special election held on a day on which a primary election may be held, whichever occurs first.

(3) All petitions filed with a board of elections under this section shall be open to public inspection under rules adopted by the board.

(4) Protest against local option petitions may be filed by any elector eligible to vote on the question or questions described in the petitions or by a permit holder or liquor agency store in the precinct as described in the petitions, not later than four p.m. of the seventy-fourth day before the day of the general or special election for which the petition qualified. The protest shall be in writing and shall be filed with the election officials with whom the petition was filed. Upon filing of the protest, the election officials with whom it is filed shall promptly fix the time for hearing it, and shall mail notice of the filing of the protest and the time and place for hearing it to the person who filed the petition and to the person who filed the protest. At the time and place fixed, the election officials shall hear the protest and determine the validity of the petition.

(C) A petition presented to a board of elections under division (B) of this section shall be signed by the following number of qualified electors:

(1) If the petition is for an election for the submission of one or more of the questions specified in section 4301.35 of the Revised Code, an amount of qualified electors of the precinct equal in number to thirty-five per cent of the total number of votes cast in the precinct concerned for the office of governor at the preceding general election for that office;

(2) If the petition is for an election for the submission of one or more of the questions specified in section 4301.35 of the Revised Code and the submission of one or more of the questions specified in section 4301.351 of the Revised Code, an amount of qualified electors of the precinct equal in number to thirty-five per cent of the total number of votes cast in the precinct concerned for the office of governor at the preceding general election for that office;

(3) If the petition is for an election for the submission of one or more of the questions specified in section 4301.351 of the Revised Code, fifty electors.

Last updated August 8, 2023 at 9:28 AM

Section 4301.331 | Local option - premises adjudged a nuisance.

• Effective: March 23, 2022
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 102 - 134th General Assembly

(A) The privilege of local option conferred by section 4301.321 of the Revised Code shall be exercised if a certified copy of the judgment issued pursuant to division (D) or (E) of section 3767.05 of the Revised Code that is the basis for the exercise of the local option privilege is filed pursuant to division (G) of section 3767.05 of the Revised Code indicating that a liquor permit premises has been adjudged a nuisance. The certified copy of the judgment shall be filed in accordance with this section by the person or public official who brought the action under section 3763.03 of the Revised Code.

(B) The certified copy of the judgment prescribed under division (A) of this section shall be filed with the board of elections of the county in which the nuisance was adjudged to exist pursuant to division (D) or (E) of section 3767.05 of the Revised Code not later than four p.m. of the ninetieth day before the day of the next general election or the next special election held on a day on which a primary election may be held.

(C) The statement prescribed under division (A) of this section shall contain both of the following:

(1) A notice that the statement is for the submission of the question set forth in section 4301.352 of the Revised Code;

(2) The name of a class C or D permit holder and the address of the permit holder's permit premises. If the business conducted by a class C or D permit holder at the permit premises has a name different from the permit holder's personal or corporate name, the name of the permit holder's business shall be stated along with the permit holder's personal or corporate name.

(D) Not later than five days after the certified copy of the judgment prescribed under division (A) of this section is filed, the board shall give notice by certified mail that it has received the certified copy of the judgment to the liquor permit holder whose permit would be affected by the results of the election required by the filing of the certified copy of the judgment. Failure of the petitioner to supply a complete and accurate address of the liquor permit holder to the board of elections invalidates the election.

For purposes of this section, "complete and accurate address" means all of the following:

(1) The address of the liquor permit premises;

(2) The address of the statutory agent of the liquor permit holder, if applicable;

(3) The address of the liquor permit holder if different from the liquor permit premises address.

(E) Not later than the seventy-eighth day before the day of the next general election or the next special election held on a day on which a primary election may be held, whichever occurs first, the board shall certify the sufficiency and validity of the certified copy of the judgment, make such determination as of the time of certification, and order the holding of an election in the precinct on the day of that general or special election for the submission of the question set forth in section 4301.352 of the Revised Code.

(F) A certified copy of the judgment filed with the board of elections under division (A) of this section shall be open to public inspection under rules adopted by the board.

An elector who is eligible to vote on the question set forth in section 4301.352 of the Revised Code or the permit holder named on the certified copy of the judgment, not later than four p.m. of the seventy-fourth day before the day of the election at which the question will be submitted to the electors, may file a protest against a local option petition. The protest shall be in writing and shall be filed with the election officials with whom the certified copy of the judgment was filed. Upon the filing of the protest, the election officials with whom it is filed shall promptly fix a time and place for hearing the protest, and shall mail notice of the time and place for hearing it to the person who filed the certified copy of the judgment and to the person who filed the protest. At the time and place fixed, the election officials shall hear the protest and determine the validity of the certified copy of the judgment.

Last updated January 13, 2022 at 12:01 PM

Section 4301.332 | Local option petition where status of portion of precinct or residence district is inconsistent with remainder.

• Effective: March 23, 2022
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 102 - 134th General Assembly

(A) The board of elections shall provide to a petitioner circulating a petition for an election for the submission of one or more of the questions specified in section 4301.353 or 4301.354 of the Revised Code, at the time of taking out the petition, both of the following:

(1) The names of the streets and, if appropriate, the address numbers of residences and business establishments within the precinct that would be affected by the results of the election;

(2) A form prescribed by the secretary of state for notifying affected permit holders of the circulation of a petition for an election for the submission of one or more of the questions specified in section 4301.353 or 4301.354 of the Revised Code.

The petitioner shall, not less than fifty-five days before the petition-filing deadline for the election, as provided in this section, file with the division of liquor control the information regarding names of streets and, if appropriate, address numbers of residences and business establishments provided by the board of elections, and specify to the division the portion of the precinct that would be affected by the results of the election and the filing deadline. The division shall, within a reasonable period of time and not later than twenty-five days before the filing deadline, supply the petitioner with a list of the names and addresses of permit holders, if any, who would be affected by the election. The list shall contain a heading with the following words: "Liquor permit holders who would be affected by the question(s) set forth on petition for a local option election."

Within five days after a petitioner has received from the division the list of liquor permit holders, if any, who would be affected by the question or questions set forth on a petition for local option election, the petitioner, using the form provided by the board of elections, shall notify by certified mail each permit holder whose name appears on that list. The form for notifying affected permit holders shall require the petitioner to state the petitioner's name and street address and shall contain a statement that a petition is being circulated for an election for the submission of the question or questions specified in section 4301.353 or 4301.354 of the Revised Code. The form shall require the petitioner to state the question or questions to be submitted as they appear on the petition.

The petitioner shall attach a copy of the list provided by the division to each petition paper. A part petition paper circulated at any time without the list of affected permit holders attached to it is invalid.

At the time the petitioner files the petition with the board of elections, the petitioner shall provide to the board the list supplied by the division and an affidavit certifying that the petitioner notified all affected permit holders, if any, on the list in the manner and within the time required in this section and that, at the time each signer of the petition affixed the signer's signature to the petition, the petition paper contained a copy of the list of affected permit holders.

Within five days after receiving a petition, the board shall give notice by certified mail that it has received the petition to all liquor permit holders, if any, whose names appear on the list of affected permit holders filed by the petitioner as furnished by the division. Failure of the petitioner to supply the affidavit required by this section and a complete and accurate list of liquor permit holders as furnished by the division invalidates the entire petition. The board of elections shall provide to a permit holder who would be affected by a proposed local option election, on the permit holder's request, the names of the streets, and, if appropriate, the address numbers of residences and business establishments within the portion of the precinct that would be affected by the results of the election. The board may charge a reasonable fee for this information when provided to the petitioner and the permit holder.

This division does not apply to an election held under section 4301.353 or 4301.354 of the Revised Code if the results of the election would not affect any permit holder.

(B) The petitioner shall present the petition to the board of elections of the county where the precinct is located not later than four p.m. of the ninetieth day before the day of a general election or a special election held on a day on which a primary election may be held. The petitioner shall ensure that the petition designates whether it is a petition for an election for the submission of one or both of the questions specified in section 4301.353 of the Revised Code or a petition for the submission of one or more of the questions specified in section 4301.354 of the Revised Code. The petitioner also shall ensure that the petition designates the particular question or questions specified in section 4301.353 or 4301.354 of the Revised Code that are to be submitted. The petition shall be signed by the number of qualified electors of the precinct concerned as required in division (E) of this section.

The board shall submit the question or questions specified in the petition to the electors of the precinct concerned, on the day of the next general election or the next special election held on a day on which a primary election may be held, whichever occurs first and shall proceed as follows:

(1) Such board shall, not later than the seventy-eighth day before the day of the election for which the question or questions on the petition would qualify for submission to the electors of the precinct, examine and determine the sufficiency of the signatures and review, examine, and determine the validity of the petition and, in case of overlapping precinct petitions presented within that period, determine which of the petitions shall govern the further proceedings of the board. In the case where the board determines that two or more overlapping petitions are valid, the earlier filed petition shall govern. The board shall certify the sufficiency and validity of any petition determined to be valid. The board shall determine the validity of the petition as of the time of certification as described in this division.

(2) If a petition is sufficient, and, in case of overlapping precinct petitions, after the board has determined the governing petition, the board to which the petition has been presented shall order the holding of a special election in the precinct for the submission of whichever of the questions specified in section 4301.353 or 4301.354 of the Revised Code are designated in the petition, on the day of the next general election or the next special election held on a day on which a primary election may be held, whichever occurs first.

(C) All petitions filed with a board of elections under this section shall be open to public inspection under rules adopted by the board.

(D) Protest against local option petitions may be filed by any elector eligible to vote on the question or questions described in the petitions or by a permit holder in the precinct as described in the petitions, not later than four p.m. of the seventy-fourth day before the day of the general or special election for which the petition qualified. The protest shall be in writing and shall be filed with the election officials with whom the petition was filed. Upon filing of the protest, the election officials with whom it is filed shall promptly fix the time for hearing it, and shall mail notice of the filing of the protest and the time and place for hearing it to the person who filed the petition and to the person who filed the protest. At the time and place fixed, the election officials shall hear the protest and determine the validity of the petition.

(E) A petition presented to a board of elections under division (B) of this section shall be signed by the following number of qualified electors:

(1) If the petition is for an election for the submission of one or both of the questions specified in section 4301.353 of the Revised Code, an amount of qualified electors of the precinct equal in number to thirty-five per cent of the total number of votes cast in the precinct concerned for the office of governor at the preceding general election for that office;

(2) If the petition is for an election for the submission of one or both of the questions specified in section 4301.353 of the Revised Code and the submission of one or more of the questions specified in section 4301.354 of the Revised Code, an amount of qualified electors of the precinct equal in number to thirty-five per cent of the total number of votes cast in the precinct concerned for the office of governor at the preceding general election for that office;

(3) If the petition is for an election for the submission of one or more of the questions specified in section 4301.354 of the Revised Code only, fifty electors.

Last updated January 13, 2022 at 12:01 PM

Section 4301.333 | Local option petition contesting a particular location.

• Effective: March 23, 2022
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 102 - 134th General Assembly

(A) The privilege of local option conferred by section 4301.323 of the Revised Code may be exercised if, not later than four p.m. of the ninetieth day before the day of a general election or a special election held on a day on which a primary election may be held, a petition is presented to the board of elections of the county in which the precinct is situated by a petitioner who is one of the following:

(1) An applicant for the issuance or transfer of a liquor permit at, or to, a particular location within the precinct;

(2) The holder of a liquor permit at a particular location within the precinct;

(3) A person who operates or seeks to operate a liquor agency store at a particular location within the precinct;

(4) The designated agent for an applicant, liquor permit holder, or liquor agency store described in division (A)(1), (2), or (3) of this section.

(B) If the petition is for the submission of the question specified in division (B)(1) of section 4301.355 of the Revised Code or both questions specified in divisions (B)(1) and (2) of that section, the petition shall be signed by the electors of the precinct equal in number to at least thirty-five per cent of the total number of votes cast in the precinct for the office of governor at the preceding general election for that office. If the petition is solely for the submission of the question specified in division (B)(2) of section 4301.355 of the Revised Code, the petition shall be signed by fifty electors.

The petition shall contain all of the following:

(1) A notice that the petition is for the submission of the question or questions set forth in section 4301.355 of the Revised Code;

(2) The name of the applicant for the issuance or transfer, or the holder, of the liquor permit or, if applicable, the name of the liquor agency store, including any trade or fictitious names under which the applicant, holder, or liquor agency store either intends to do or does business at the particular location;

(3) The address and proposed use of the particular location within the election precinct to which the results of the question or questions specified in section 4301.355 of the Revised Code shall apply. For purposes of this division, "use" means all of the following:

(a) The type of each liquor permit applied for by the applicant or held by the liquor permit holder as described in sections 4303.11 to 4303.183 of the Revised Code, including a description of the type of beer or intoxicating liquor sales authorized by each permit as provided in those sections;

(b) If a liquor agency store, the fact that the business operated as a liquor agency store authorized to operate by this state;

(c) A description of the general nature of the business of the applicant, liquor permit holder, or liquor agency store.

(C)(1) At the time the petitioner files the petition with the board of elections, the petitioner shall provide to the board both of the following:

(a) An affidavit that is signed by the petitioner and that states the proposed use of the location following the election held to authorize the sale of beer or intoxicating liquor authorized by each permit as provided in sections 4303.11 to 4303.183 of the Revised Code;

(b) Written evidence of the designation of an agent by the applicant, liquor permit holder, or liquor agency store described in division (A)(1), (2), or (3) of this section for the purpose of petitioning for the local option election, if the petitioner is the designated agent of the applicant, liquor permit holder, or liquor agency store.

(2) Failure to supply the affidavit, or the written evidence of the designation of the agent if the petitioner for the local option election is the agent of the applicant, liquor permit holder, or liquor agency store described in division (A)(1), (2), or (3) of this section, at the time the petition is filed invalidates the entire petition.

(D) Not later than the seventy-eighth day before the day of the next general election or the next special election held on a day on which a primary election may be held, whichever occurs first, the board shall examine and determine the sufficiency of the signatures and the validity of the petition. If the board finds that the petition contains sufficient signatures and in other respects is valid, it shall order the holding of an election in the precinct on the day of the next general election or the next special election held on a day on which a primary election may be held, whichever occurs first, for the submission of the question or questions set forth in section 4301.355 of the Revised Code.

(E) A petition filed with the board of elections under this section shall be open to public inspection under rules adopted by the board.

(F) An elector who is eligible to vote on the question or questions set forth in section 4301.355 of the Revised Code may file, not later than four p.m. of the seventy-fourth day before the day of the election at which the question or questions will be submitted to the electors, a protest against a local option petition circulated and filed pursuant to this section. The protest shall be in writing and shall be filed with the election officials with whom the petition was filed. Upon the filing of the protest, the election officials with whom it is filed shall promptly establish a time and place for hearing the protest and shall mail notice of the time and place for the hearing to the applicant for, or the holder of, the liquor permit who is specified in the petition and to the elector who filed the protest. At the time and place established in the notice, the election officials shall hear the protest and determine the validity of the petition.

Last updated January 13, 2022 at 12:02 PM

Section 4301.334 | Local option petition contesting community facility.

• Effective: March 23, 2022
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 102 - 134th General Assembly

(A) The privilege of local option conferred by section 4301.324 of the Revised Code may be exercised if, not later than four p.m. of the ninetieth day before the day of a general election or a special election held on a day on which a primary election may be held, a petition and other information required by division (B) of this section are presented to the board of elections of the county in which the community facility named in the petition is located. The petition shall be signed by electors of the municipal corporation or unincorporated area of the township in which the community facility is located equal in number to at least ten per cent of the total number of votes cast in the municipal corporation or unincorporated area of the township in which the community facility is located for the office of governor at the most recent general election for that office and shall contain both of the following:

(1) A notice that the petition is for the submission of the question set forth in section 4301.356 of the Revised Code;

(2) The name and address of the community facility for which the local option election is sought and, if the community facility is a community entertainment district, the boundaries of the district.

(B) Upon the request of a petitioner, a board of elections of a county shall furnish to the petitioner a copy of the instructions prepared by the secretary of state under division (P) of section 3501.05 of the Revised Code and, within fifteen days after the request, a certificate indicating the number of valid signatures that will be required on a petition to hold an election in the municipal corporation or unincorporated area of the township in which the community facility is located on the question specified in section 4301.356 of the Revised Code.

The petitioner shall, not less than thirty days before the petition-filing deadline for an election on the question specified in section 4301.356 of the Revised Code, specify to the division of liquor control the name and address of the community facility for which the election is sought and, if the community facility is a community entertainment district, the boundaries of the district, the municipal corporation or unincorporated area of a township in which the election is sought, and the filing deadline. The division shall, within a reasonable period of time and not later than ten days before the filing deadline, supply the petitioner with the name and address of any permit holder for or within the community facility.

The petitioner shall file the name and address of any permit holder who would be affected by the election at the time the petitioner files the petition with the board of elections. Within five days after receiving the petition, the board shall give notice by certified mail to any permit holder within the community facility that it has received the petition. Failure of the petitioner to supply the name and address of any permit holder for or within the community facility as furnished to the petitioner by the division invalidates the petition.

(C) Not later than the seventy-eighth day before the day of the next general election or the next special election held on a day on which a primary election may be held, whichever occurs first, the board shall examine and determine the sufficiency of the signatures on the petition. If the board finds that the petition is valid, it shall order the holding of an election in the municipal corporation or unincorporated area of a township on the day of the next general election or the next special election held on a day on which a primary election may be held, whichever occurs first, for the submission of the question set forth in section 4301.356 of the Revised Code.

(D) A petition filed with a board of elections under this section shall be open to public inspection under rules adopted by the board.

(E) An elector who is eligible to vote on the question set forth in section 4301.356 of the Revised Code or any permit holder for or within the community facility may, not later than four p.m. of the seventy-fourth day before the day of the election at which the question will be submitted to the electors, file a written protest against the local option petition with the board of elections with which the petition was filed. Upon the filing of the protest, the board shall promptly fix a time and place for hearing the protest and shall mail notice of the time and place to the person who filed the petition and to the person who filed the protest. At the time and place fixed, the board shall hear the protest and determine the validity of the petition.

Last updated January 13, 2022 at 12:03 PM

Section 4301.34 | Petition requirements.

• Effective: March 30, 1999
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 402 - 122nd General Assembly

The petition provided for in section 4301.33, 4301.331, 4301.332, 4301.333, or 4301.334 of the Revised Code may consist of one or more separate petition papers and shall be governed by the rules set forth in section 3501.38 of the Revised Code.

Section 4301.35 | Election and form of ballots on four question election.

• Effective: March 30, 1999
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 402 - 122nd General Assembly

If a petition is for submission of one or more of the questions specified under this section, a special election shall be held in the precinct at the time fixed as provided in section 4301.33 of the Revised Code. The expenses of holding the election shall be charged to the municipal corporation or township of which the precinct is a part.

At the election any one or more of the following questions, as designated in a valid petition, shall be submitted to the electors of the precinct:

(A) "Shall the sale of wine and mixed beverages by the package, under permits which authorize sale for off-premise consumption only, be permitted in _________________?"

(B) "Shall the sale of wine and mixed beverages, under permits which authorize sale for on-premise consumption only, and under permits which authorize sale for both on-premise and off-premise consumption, be permitted in _______?"

(C) "Shall the sale of spirituous liquors by the glass be permitted in __________________?"

(D) "Shall state liquor stores or liquor agency stores for the sale of spirituous liquor by the package, for consumption off the premises where sold, be permitted in ________________?"

The board of elections to which a petition is presented shall furnish printed ballots at the election in accordance with section 3505.06 of the Revised Code, and separate ballots shall be used for the special election. All the questions designated in a valid petition or overlapping petitions containing one or more questions to be set forth on the ballot shall be set forth on each ballot and the board shall insert in each question the name or an accurate description of the precinct in which the election is to be held. Votes shall be cast as provided in section 3505.06 of the Revised Code.

Section 4301.351 | Election and form of ballots on Sunday sales.

• Effective: March 23, 2022
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 102 - 134th General Assembly

(A) If a petition is for submission of the question of whether the sale of intoxicating liquor shall be permitted on Sunday, a special election shall be held in the precinct at the time fixed as provided in section 4301.33 of the Revised Code. The expenses of holding the election shall be charged to the municipal corporation or township of which the precinct is a part.

(B) At the election, one or more of the following questions, question (B)(1), (B)(2), or (B)(3) as designated in a valid petition or question (B)(4) as submitted by the legislative authority of a municipal corporation or the board of trustees of a township, shall be submitted to the electors of the precinct:

(1) "Shall the sale of intoxicating liquor, of the same types as may be legally sold in this precinct on other days of the week, be permitted in this ________ for consumption on the premises where sold on Sunday?"

(2) "Shall the sale of intoxicating liquor, of the same types as may be legally sold in this precinct on other days of the week, be permitted in this ________ for consumption on the premises where sold on Sunday at licensed premises where the sale of food and other goods and services exceeds fifty per cent of the total gross receipts of the permit holder at the premises?"

(3) "Shall the sale of wine and mixed beverages, of the same types as may be legally sold in this precinct on other days of the week, be permitted in this ________ for consumption off the premises where sold on Sunday?"

(4) "Shall the sale of intoxicating liquor, of the same types as may be legally sold in this precinct on other days of the week, be permitted in this _______ for consumption on the premises where sold on Sunday, at outdoor performing arts centers, as defined in section 4303.182 of the Revised Code, that have been issued a D-6 permit?"

Question (B)(4) shall be presented to the electors of a precinct in which an outdoor performing arts center is located only if the legislative authority of the municipal corporation in which, or the board of trustees of the township in which, the outdoor performing arts center is located submits, not later than four p.m. of the seventy-fifth day before the day of a primary or general election that occurs within two years after April 9, 2001, to the board of elections of the county in which the precinct is located, a copy of an ordinance or resolution requesting the submission of that question to the electors of the precinct. An election on question (B)(4) may not be sought by a petition under section 4301.33 of the Revised Code.

(C) No C or D permit holder who first applied for such a permit after April 15, 1982, shall sell beer on Sunday unless the sale of intoxicating liquor is authorized in the precinct or portion of the precinct at an election on question (B)(1), (B)(2), or (B)(3) of this section, on question (B)(1), (B)(2), or (B)(3) of section 4301.354 of the Revised Code, or on question (B)(2) of section 4301.355 of the Revised Code. No D-6 permit is required for the sale of beer on Sunday.

The board of elections to which the petition is presented shall furnish printed ballots at the election in accordance with section 3505.06 of the Revised Code, and separate ballots shall be used for the special election under this section. One or more of the questions prescribed by division (B) of this section, as designated in the petition, shall be set forth on each ballot, and the board shall insert in each question the name or an accurate description of the precinct in which the election is to be held. Votes shall be cast as provided in section 3505.06 of the Revised Code.

Last updated January 13, 2022 at 12:03 PM

Section 4301.352 | Election and form of ballots concerning particular permit premises.

• Effective: March 30, 1999
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 402 - 122nd General Assembly

If a petition is filed under section 4301.331 of the Revised Code for the submission of the question set forth in this section, an election shall be held in the precinct as ordered by the board of elections under that section. The expense of holding the election shall be charged to the municipal corporation or township of which the precinct is a part. At that election the following question shall be submitted to the electors of the precinct:

"Shall the sale of beer and intoxicating liquor at____________________ (insert the address of the permit premises) ____________________, which was adjudged to be a nuisance to the public by (insert the name of the court, including the name of the political subdivision of the court, issuing such judgment) ____________ on (the date the judgment was issued by the court) ___________ be permitted in this precinct?"

The board of elections shall furnish printed ballots at the election described in this section as provided under section 3505.06 of the Revised Code, except that a separate ballot shall be used for this election. The question set forth in this section shall be printed on each ballot and the board shall insert in the question appropriate words to complete the question. Votes shall be cast as provided under section 3505.06 of the Revised Code.

Section 4301.353 | Election and form of ballots where status of portion of precinct or residence district is inconsistent with remainder - no Sunday issues.

• Effective: March 30, 1999
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 402 - 122nd General Assembly

If a petition is filed under section 4301.332 of the Revised Code for the submission of the one or more questions set forth in this section, a special election shall be held in the precinct as ordered by the board of elections under that section. The expense of holding the special election shall be charged to the municipal corporation or township of which the precinct is a part.

At the election, one or both of the following questions as designated in a valid petition shall be submitted to the electors of the precinct concerning sales on days of the week other than Sunday:

(A) "Shall the sales of (insert one or both of the following: beer, or wine and mixed beverages) by the package, under permits that authorize sale for off-premises consumption only, be permitted in a portion of this precinct in which the status of the sale of (insert one or both of the following: beer, or wine and mixed beverages) as allowed or prohibited is inconsistent with the status of such sale in the remainder of the precinct?"

(B) "Shall the sale of (insert one or more of the following: beer, wine and mixed beverages, or spirituous liquor), under permits that authorize sale for on-premises consumption only, and under permits that authorize sale for both on-premises and off-premises consumption, be permitted in a portion of this precinct in which the status of the sale of (insert one or more of the following: beer, wine and mixed beverages, or spirituous liquor) as allowed or prohibited is inconsistent with the status of such sale in the remainder of the precinct?"

The board of elections shall furnish printed ballots at the special election as provided under section 3505.06 of the Revised Code, except that a separate ballot shall be used for the special election. One or both of the questions set forth in this section shall be printed on each ballot and the board shall insert in the question and statement appropriate words to complete each and a description of the portion of the precinct that would be affected by the results of the election.

The description of the portion of the precinct shall include either the complete listing of street addresses in that portion or a condensed text that accurately describes the boundaries of the portion of the precinct by street name or by another name generally known by the residents of the portion of the precinct. If other than a full street listing is used, the full street listing also shall be posted in each polling place in a location that is easily accessible to all voters. Failure of the board of elections to completely and accurately list all street addresses in the affected area of the precinct does not affect the validity of the election at which the failure occurred and is not grounds for contesting an election under section 3515.08 of the Revised Code. Votes shall be cast as provided under section 3505.06 of the Revised Code.

Last updated February 15, 2022 at 12:45 PM

Section 4301.354 | Election and form of ballots where status of portion of precinct or residence district is inconsistent with remainder - Sunday issues.

• Effective: March 23, 2022
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 102 - 134th General Assembly

(A) If a petition is filed under section 4301.332 of the Revised Code for the submission of one or more questions set forth in this section, a special election shall be held in the precinct as ordered by the board of elections under that section. The expense of holding the special election shall be charged to the municipal corporation or township of which the precinct is a part.

(B) At the election, one or more of the following questions, as designated in a valid petition, shall be submitted to the electors of the precinct concerning Sunday sales:

(1) "Shall the sale of intoxicating liquor be permitted in a portion of this precinct on Sunday for consumption on the premises where sold, where the status of such Sunday sales as allowed or prohibited is inconsistent with the status of such Sunday sales in the remainder of the precinct?"

(2) "Shall the sale of intoxicating liquor be permitted in a portion of this precinct on Sunday for consumption on the premises where sold at licensed premises where the sale of food and other goods exceeds fifty per cent of the total gross receipts of the permit holder at the premises, where the status of such Sunday sales as allowed or prohibited is inconsistent with the status of such Sunday sales in the remainder of the precinct?"

(3) "Shall the sale of wine and mixed beverages be permitted in a portion of this precinct on Sunday for consumption off the premises where sold, where the status of such Sunday sales as allowed or prohibited is inconsistent with the status of such Sunday sales in the remainder of the precinct?"

(C) The board of elections shall furnish printed ballots at the special election as provided under section 3505.06 of the Revised Code, except that a separate ballot shall be used for the special election. The one or more questions set forth in division (B) of this section shall be printed on each ballot, and the board shall insert in the questions appropriate words to complete each and a description of the portion of the precinct that would be affected by the results of the election.

The description of the portion of the precinct shall include either the complete listing of street addresses in that portion or a condensed text that accurately describes the boundaries of the portion of the precinct by street name or by another name generally known by the residents of the portion of the precinct. If other than a full street listing is used, the full street listing also shall be posted in each polling place in a location that is easily accessible to all voters. Failure of the board of elections to completely and accurately list all street addresses in the affected area of the precinct does not affect the validity of the election at which the failure occurred and is not grounds for contesting an election under section 3515.08 of the Revised Code. Votes shall be cast as provided under section 3505.06 of the Revised Code.

Last updated January 13, 2022 at 12:04 PM

Section 4301.355 | Election and form of ballots contesting a particular location.

• Effective: March 23, 2022
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 102 - 134th General Assembly

(A) If a petition is filed under section 4301.333 of the Revised Code for the submission of the question or questions set forth in this section, it shall be held in the precinct as ordered by the board of elections under that section. The expense of holding the election shall be charged to the municipal corporation or township of which the precinct is a part.

(B) At the election, one or more of the following questions, as designated in a valid petition, shall be submitted to the electors of the precinct:

(1) "Shall the sale of __________ (insert beer, wine and mixed beverages, or spirituous liquor) be permitted by __________ (insert name of applicant, liquor permit holder, or liquor agency store, including trade or fictitious name under which applicant for, or holder of, liquor permit or liquor agency store either intends to do, or does, business at the particular location), an __________ (insert "applicant for" or "holder of" or "operator of") a __________ (insert class name of liquor permit or permits followed by the words "liquor permit(s)" or, if appropriate, the words "liquor agency store for the State of Ohio"), who is engaged in the business of __________ (insert general nature of the business in which applicant or liquor permit holder is engaged or will be engaged in at the particular location, as described in the petition) at __________ (insert address of the particular location within the precinct as set forth in the petition) in this precinct?"

(2) "Shall the sale of __________ (insert beer, wine and mixed beverages, or spirituous liquor) be permitted for sale on Sunday by __________ (insert name of applicant, liquor permit holder, or liquor agency store, including trade or fictitious name under which applicant for, or holder of, liquor permit or liquor agency store either intends to do, or does, business at the particular location), an ______ (insert "applicant for a D-6 liquor permit," "holder of a D-6 liquor permit," "applicant for or holder of an A-1-A, A-2, A-2f, A-3a, C-1, C-2x, D-1, D-2x, D-3, D-3x, D-4, D-5, D-5b, D-5c, D-5e, D-5f, D-5g, D-5h, D-5i, D-5j, D-5k, D-5l, D-5m, D-5n, D-5o, or D-7 liquor permit," if only the approval of beer sales is sought, or "liquor agency store") who is engaged in the business of __________ (insert general nature of the business in which applicant or liquor permit holder is engaged or will be engaged in at the particular location, as described in the petition) at __________ (insert address of the particular location within the precinct) in this precinct?"

(C) The board of elections shall furnish printed ballots at the election as provided under section 3505.06 of the Revised Code, except that a separate ballot shall be used for the election under this section. The question set forth in this section shall be printed on each ballot, and the board shall insert in the question appropriate words to complete it. Votes shall be cast as provided under section 3505.06 of the Revised Code.

Last updated January 13, 2022 at 12:04 PM

Section 4301.356 | Election and form of ballots contesting community facility.

• Effective: March 23, 2022
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 102 - 134th General Assembly

If a petition is filed under section 4301.334 of the Revised Code for the submission of the question set forth in this section, an election shall be held in the municipal corporation or unincorporated area of a township as ordered by the board of elections under that section.

Except as otherwise provided in this section, if the legislative authority of a municipal corporation in whose territory, or the board of township trustees of a township in whose unincorporated area, a community facility is located submits, not later than four p.m. of the ninetieth day before the day of a general election or a special election held on a day on which a primary election may be held, to the board of elections of the county in which the community facility is located an ordinance or resolution requesting the submission of the question set forth in this section to the electors of the municipal corporation or unincorporated area of the township, the board of elections shall order that an election be held on that question in the municipal corporation or the unincorporated area of the township on the day of the next general election or the next special election held on a day on which a primary election may be held, whichever occurs first. The legislative authority or board of township trustees shall submit the name and address of any permit holder who would be affected by the results of the election to the board of elections at the same time it submits the ordinance or resolution. The board of elections, within five days after receiving the name and address, shall give notice by certified mail to each permit holder that it has received the ordinance or resolution. Failure of the legislative authority or board of township trustees to supply the name and address of each permit holder to the board of elections invalidates the effect of the ordinance or resolution.

At the election, the following question shall be submitted to the electors of the municipal corporation or unincorporated area of a township:

"Shall the sale of beer and intoxicating liquor be permitted on all days of the week, including Sunday, at __________ (insert name of community facility), a community facility as defined by section 4301.01 of the Revised Code, and located at ________ (insert the address of the community facility and, if the community facility is a community entertainment district, the boundaries of the district, as set forth in the petition)?"

The board of elections shall furnish printed ballots at the election as provided under section 3505.06 of the Revised Code, except that a separate ballot shall be used for the election under this section. The question set forth in this section shall be printed on each ballot, and the board shall insert in the question appropriate words to complete it, subject to the approval of the secretary of state. Votes shall be cast as provided under section 3505.06 of the Revised Code.

Last updated January 13, 2022 at 12:05 PM

Section 4301.36 | Effect of four question election.

• Effective: March 30, 1999
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 402 - 122nd General Assembly

If a majority of the electors voting in a precinct vote "yes" on question (A), (B), or (C) as set forth in section 4301.35 of the Revised Code, the sales specified in such one or more of the questions on which a majority of the electors voting in such precinct voted "yes" shall be subject in the precinct only to Chapters 4301. and 4303. of the Revised Code.

If a majority of the electors voting in such precinct vote "no" on question (A), (B), or (C) set forth in section 4301.35 of the Revised Code, no C or D permit holder shall sell intoxicating liquor of the kind or in the manner specified in such one or more of the questions on which a majority of the electors voting in the precinct voted "no," within the precinct concerned, during the period such election is in effect as defined in section 4301.37 of the Revised Code.

If a majority of the electors voting in such precinct vote "no" on question (D) as set forth in section 4301.35 of the Revised Code, all state liquor stores in the precinct shall be forthwith closed and, during the period the vote is in effect, as defined in section 4301.37 of the Revised Code, no state liquor store shall be opened in that precinct.

Section 4301.361 | Effect of Sunday sales election.

• Effective: March 23, 2022
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 102 - 134th General Assembly

(A) If a majority of the electors voting on questions set forth in section 4301.351 of the Revised Code in a precinct vote "yes" on question (B)(1) or, if both questions (B)(1) and (B)(2)are submitted, "yes" on both questions or "yes" on question (B)(1) but "no" on question (B)(2), sales of intoxicating liquor shall be allowed on Sunday in the manner and under the conditions specified in question (B)(1), under a D-6 permit, within the precinct concerned, during the hours specified in division (N) of section 4303.182 of the Revised Code and during the period the election is in effect as defined in section 4301.37 of the Revised Code.

(B) If only question (B)(2) is submitted to the voters or if questions (B)(2) and (B)(3) are submitted and a majority of the electors voting in a precinct vote "yes" on question (B)(2) as set forth in section 4301.351 of the Revised Code, sales of intoxicating liquor shall be allowed on Sunday in the manner and under the conditions specified in question (B)(2), under a D-6 permit, within the precinct concerned, during the hours specified in division (N) of section 4303.182 of the Revised Code and during the period the election is in effect as defined in section 4301.37 of the Revised Code, even if question (B)(1) was also submitted and a majority of the electors voting in the precinct voted "no."

(C) If question (B)(3) is submitted and a majority of electors voting on question (B)(3) as set forth in section 4301.351 of the Revised Code in a precinct vote "yes," sales of wine and mixed beverages shall be allowed on Sunday in the manner and under the conditions specified in question (B)(3), under a D-6 permit, within the precinct concerned, during the hours specified in division (N) of section 4303.182 of the Revised Code and during the period the election is in effect as defined in section 4301.37 of the Revised Code.

(D) If questions (B)(1), (B)(2), and (B)(3), as set forth in section 4301.351 of the Revised Code, are all submitted and a majority of the electors voting in such precinct vote "no" on all three questions, no sales of intoxicating liquor shall be made within the precinct concerned after two-thirty a.m. on Sunday as specified in the questions submitted, during the period the election is in effect as defined in section 4301.37 of the Revised Code.

(E) If question (B)(4) as set forth in section 4301.351 of the Revised Code is submitted and a majority of the electors voting in the precinct vote "yes," sales of intoxicating liquor shall be allowed on Sunday at outdoor performing arts centers in the manner and under the conditions specified in question (B)(4) under a D-6 permit, within the precinct concerned, during the hours specified in division (N) of section 4303.182 of the Revised Code and during the period the election is in effect as defined in section 4301.37 of the Revised Code. If question (B)(4) as set forth in section 4301.351 of the Revised Code is submitted and a majority of the electors voting in the precinct vote "no," no sales of intoxicating liquor shall be allowed at outdoor performing arts centers in the precinct concerned under a D-6 permit, after 2:30 a.m. on Sunday, during the period the election is in effect as defined in section 4301.37 of the Revised Code.

Last updated January 13, 2022 at 12:05 PM

Section 4301.362 | Effect of particular permit premises election.

• Effective: March 30, 1999
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 402 - 122nd General Assembly

If a majority of the electors voting on the question set forth in section 4301.352 of the Revised Code vote "yes," the sale of beer or intoxicating liquor by a class C or D permit holder at the specified premises shall only be subject to Chapters 4301. and 4303. of the Revised Code.

If a majority of the electors voting on the question set forth in section 4301.352 of the Revised Code vote "no," the board of elections shall notify the division of liquor control of the final result of the election by certified mail. When the division receives notice of the final result of the election, it shall cancel and pick up the permit holder's permit within seven days.

The results of a local option election that is held in a precinct pursuant to section 4301.352 of the Revised Code shall not affect the results of a local option election that is held in the same precinct under section 4301.35, 4301.351, 4301.353, 4301.354, 4303.29, or 4305.14 of the Revised Code.

Section 4301.363 | Effect of election where status of portion of precinct or residence district is inconsistent with remainder - no Sunday issues.

• Effective: March 30, 1999
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 402 - 122nd General Assembly

(A) If a majority of the electors in a precinct vote "yes" on question (A) as set forth in section 4301.353 of the Revised Code, the sale of beer, or wine and mixed beverages, as specified in the question shall be permitted in the portion of the precinct affected by the results of the election for sale by the package under permits that authorize the sale for off-premises consumption only, subject only to Chapters 4301. and 4303. of the Revised Code.

(B) If a majority of the electors in a precinct vote "yes" on question (B) as set forth in section 4301.353 of the Revised Code, the sale of beer, wine and mixed beverages, or spirituous liquor as specified in the question shall be permitted in the portion of the precinct affected by the results of the election under permits that authorize the sale for on-premises consumption only, and under permits that authorize the sale for both on-premises and off-premises consumption, subject only to Chapters 4301. and 4303. of the Revised Code.

(C) If a majority of the electors in a precinct vote "no" on question (A) as set forth in section 4301.353 of the Revised Code, no sales of beer, or wine and mixed beverages, as specified in the question shall be permitted in the portion of the precinct affected by the results of the election.

(D) If a majority of the electors in a precinct vote "no" on question (B) as set forth in section 4301.353 of the Revised Code, no sales of beer, wine and mixed beverages, or spirituous liquor as specified in the question shall be permitted in the portion of the precinct affected by the results of the election.

Section 4301.364 | Effect of election where status of portion of precinct or residence district is inconsistent with remainder - Sunday issues.

• Effective: March 23, 2022
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 102 - 134th General Assembly

(A) If a majority of the electors in a precinct vote "yes" on question (B)(1) as set forth in section 4301.354 of the Revised Code, the sale of intoxicating liquor, of the same types as may be legally sold in the precinct on other days of the week, shall be permitted on Sunday in the portion of the precinct affected by the results of the election during the hours specified in division (N) of section 4303.182 of the Revised Code and in the manner and under the conditions specified in the question, subject only to this chapter and Chapter 4303. of the Revised Code.

(B) If a majority of the electors in a precinct vote "yes" on question (B)(2) as set forth in section 4301.354 of the Revised Code, the sale of intoxicating liquor, of the same types as may be legally sold in the precinct on other days of the week, shall be permitted on Sunday in the portion of the precinct affected by the results of the election during the hours specified in division (N) of section 4303.182 of the Revised Code and in the manner and under the conditions specified in the question, subject only to this chapter and Chapter 4303. of the Revised Code.

(C) If a majority of the electors in a precinct vote "yes" on question (B)(3) as set forth in section 4301.354 of the Revised Code, the sale of wine and mixed beverages shall be permitted on Sunday in the portion of the precinct affected by the results of the election during the hours specified in division (N) of section 4303.182 of the Revised Code and in the manner and under the conditions specified in the question, subject only to this chapter and Chapter 4303. of the Revised Code.

(D) If a majority of the electors in a precinct vote "no" on question (B)(1) as set forth in section 4301.354 of the Revised Code, no sale of intoxicating liquor shall be permitted on Sunday in the manner and under the conditions specified in the question in the portion of the precinct affected by the results of the election.

(E) If a majority of the electors in a precinct vote "no" on question (B)(2) as set forth in section 4301.354 of the Revised Code, no sale of intoxicating liquor shall be permitted on Sunday in the manner and under the conditions specified in the question in the portion of the precinct affected by the results of the election.

(F) If a majority of the electors in a precinct vote "no" on question (B)(3) as set forth in section 4301.354 of the Revised Code, no sale of wine or mixed beverages shall be permitted on Sunday in the manner and under the conditions specified in the question in the portion of the precinct affected by the results of the election.

Last updated January 13, 2022 at 12:06 PM

Section 4301.365 | Effect of election concerning particular location.

• Effective: March 23, 2022
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 102 - 134th General Assembly

(A) If a majority of the electors in a precinct vote "yes" on questions (B)(1) and (2) as set forth in section 4301.355 of the Revised Code, the sale of beer, wine and mixed beverages, or spirituous liquor, whichever was the subject of the election, shall be allowed at the particular location and for the use specified in the questions under each permit applied for by the petitioner or at the address listed for the liquor agency store, subject only to this chapter and Chapter 4303. of the Revised Code. Failure to continue to use the particular location for any proposed or stated use set forth in the petition is grounds for the denial of a renewal of the liquor permit under division (A) of section 4303.271 of the Revised Code or is grounds for the nonrenewal or cancellation of the liquor agency store contract by the division of liquor control, except in the case where the liquor permit holder or liquor agency store decides to cease the sale of beer, wine and mixed beverages, or spirituous liquor, whichever was the subject of the election, on Sundays.

(B) If a majority of the electors in a precinct vote "yes" on question (B)(1) and "no" on question (B)(2) as set forth in section 4301.355 of the Revised Code, the sale of beer, wine and mixed beverages, or spirituous liquor, whichever was the subject of the election, shall be allowed at the particular location for the use specified in question (B)(1) of section 4301.355 of the Revised Code and under each permit applied for by the petitioner, except for a D-6 permit, subject only to this chapter and Chapter 4303. of the Revised Code.

(C) If a majority of the electors in a precinct vote "no" on question (B)(1) as set forth in section 4301.355 of the Revised Code, no sales of beer, wine and mixed beverages, or spirituous liquor, whichever was the subject of the election, shall be allowed at the particular location for the use specified in the petition during the period the election is in effect as defined in section 4301.37 of the Revised Code.

(D) If a majority of the electors in a precinct vote only on question (B)(2) as set forth in section 4301.355 of the Revised Code and that vote results in a majority "yes" vote, sales of beer, wine and mixed beverages, or spirituous liquor, whichever was the subject of the election, shall be allowed at the particular location for the use specified in the petition on Sunday during the hours specified in division (N) of section 4303.182 of the Revised Code and during the period the election is in effect as defined in section 4301.37 of the Revised Code.

(E) If a majority of the electors in a precinct vote only on question (B)(2) as set forth in section 4301.355 of the Revised Code and that vote results in a majority "no" vote, no sales of beer, wine and mixed beverages, or spirituous liquor, whichever was the subject of the election, shall be allowed at the particular location for the use on Sunday during the period the election is in effect as defined in section 4301.37 of the Revised Code.

(F) In case of elections in the same precinct for the question or questions set forth in section 4301.355 of the Revised Code and for a question or questions set forth in section 4301.35, 4301.351, 4301.353, 4301.354, 4303.29, or 4305.14 of the Revised Code, the results of the election held on the question or questions set forth in section 4301.355 of the Revised Code shall apply to the particular location notwithstanding the results of the election held on the question or questions set forth in section 4301.35, 4301.351, 4301.353, 4301.354, 4303.29, or 4305.14 of the Revised Code.

(G) Sections 4301.32 to 4301.41 of the Revised Code do not prohibit the transfer of ownership of a permit that was issued to a particular location as the result of an election held on sales of beer, wine and mixed beverages, spirituous liquor, or intoxicating liquor at that particular location as long as the general nature of the business at that particular location described in the petition for that election remains the same after the transfer.

Last updated January 13, 2022 at 12:07 PM

Section 4301.366 | Effect of election concerning community facility.

• Effective: March 23, 2022
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 102 - 134th General Assembly

If a majority of the electors voting on the question specified in section 4301.356 of the Revised Code vote "yes," the sale of beer and intoxicating liquor shall be allowed at the community facility on all days of the week, including Sunday, for the use specified in the question, subject only to this chapter and Chapter 4303. of the Revised Code. Failure to continue to use the location as a community facility constitutes good cause for rejection of the renewal of the liquor permit under division (A) of section 4303.271 of the Revised Code.

If a majority of the electors voting on the question specified in section 4301.356 of the Revised Code vote "no," no sales of beer or intoxicating liquor shall be made at or within the community facility during the period the election is in effect as defined in section 4301.37 of the Revised Code.

Last updated January 13, 2022 at 12:07 PM

Section 4301.37 | Local option elections effective for four years.

• Effective: April 9, 2001
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 262 - 123rd General Assembly

(A) When a local option election, other than an election under section 4301.351, 4301.352, 4301.353, 4301.354, 4301.355, or 4301.356 of the Revised Code, is held in any precinct, except as provided in divisions (G) and (H) of section 4301.39 of the Revised Code, the result of the election shall be effective in the precinct until another election is called and held pursuant to sections 4301.32 to 4301.36 of the Revised Code, but no such election shall be held in the precinct on the same question more than once in each four years.

(B) When a local option election under section 4301.351 of the Revised Code is held in any precinct, except as provided in divisions (G) and (H) of section 4301.39 of the Revised Code, the result of the election shall be effective in the precinct until another election is called and held pursuant to sections 4301.32 to 4301.361 of the Revised Code, but no such election shall be held under section 4301.351 of the Revised Code in the precinct on the same question more than once in each four years.

(C) When a local option election is held in a precinct under section 4301.352 of the Revised Code and a majority of the electors voting on the question vote "yes," no subsequent local option election shall be held in the precinct upon the sale of beer or intoxicating liquor by the class C or D permit holder at the specified premises for a period of at least four years from the date of the most recent local option election, except that this division shall not be construed to prohibit the holding or affect the results of a local option election under section 4301.35, 4301.351, 4301.353, 4301.354, 4303.29, or 4305.14 of the Revised Code.

(D) When a local option election is held in a precinct under section 4301.353 or 4301.354 of the Revised Code, except as provided in divisions (G) and (H) of section 4301.39 of the Revised Code, the results of the election shall be effective until another election is held under that section on the same question, but no such election shall be held in a precinct under that section on the same question for a period of at least four years from the date of the most recent election on that question. This division shall not be construed to prohibit the future holding of, or affect the future results of, a local option election held under section 4301.35, 4301.351, 4301.355, 4303.29, or 4305.14 of the Revised Code.

(E) When a local option election is held in a precinct under section 4301.355 of the Revised Code, the results of that election shall be effective at the particular location designated in the petition until another election is held pursuant to section 4301.355 of the Revised Code or until such time as an election is held pursuant to section 4301.352 of the Revised Code, but no election shall be held under section 4301.355 of the Revised Code regarding the same use at that particular location for a period of at least four years from the date of the most recent election on that question. The results of a local option election held in a precinct under section 4301.355 of the Revised Code shall not prohibit the holding of, and shall be affected by the results of, a local option election held under section 4301.35, 4301.351, 4301.353, 4301.354, 4303.29, or 4305.14 of the Revised Code.

(F) When a local option election is held in a municipal corporation or unincorporated area of a township under section 4301.356 of the Revised Code, the results of the election shall be effective at the community facility that was the subject of the election until another such election is held regarding that community facility, but no such election shall be held for a period of at least four years from the date of the election. The results of a local option election held in a municipal corporation or unincorporated area of a township under section 4301.356 of the Revised Code shall not prohibit the holding of, or affect or be affected by the results of, a local option election held under section 4301.35, 4301.351, 4301.353, 4301.354, 4303.29, or 4305.14 of the Revised Code.

(G) If a community facility is located in an election precinct in which a previous local option election in the precinct resulted in approval of the sale of beer or intoxicating liquor in the precinct, the community facility shall sell beer or intoxicating liquor only to the extent permitted by the previous local option election until an election is held pursuant to section 4301.356 of the Revised Code.

(H) A community facility shall not be affected by a local option election held on or after March 30, 1999, unless the election is held under section 4301.356 of the Revised Code.

Section 4301.39 | Notification and results of local option elections.

• Effective: November 2, 2018
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 34 - 132nd General Assembly

(A) When the board of elections of any county determines that a petition for a local option election presented pursuant to section 4301.33, 4301.331, 4301.332, 4301.333, 4303.29, or 4305.14 of the Revised Code is sufficient, it shall forthwith, by mail, notify the division of liquor control of the fact that the petition has been filed and approved by it. Upon the determination of the results of any such election, the board shall forthwith notify the division by mail of the result and shall forward with the notice a plat of the precinct in which the election was held and, if applicable, shall separately identify the portion of the precinct affected by the election.

(B) On the plat of a precinct forwarded with the results of an election that was held under section 4301.35, 4301.351, 4301.353, 4301.354, or 4303.29 of the Revised Code, the board shall show and designate all of the streets and highways in the precinct or relevant portion of the precinct.

(C) On the plat of a precinct forwarded with the results of an election that was held under section 4301.352 of the Revised Code, the board shall show and designate all of the following:

(1) All of the streets and highways in the precinct;

(2) The permit premises designated in the petition that was filed under section 4301.331 of the Revised Code;

(3) A class C or D permit holder's personal or corporate name and, if it is different from the permit holder's personal or corporate name, the name of the business conducted by the permit holder on the designated premises;

(4) The address of the designated premises.

(D) On the plat of a precinct forwarded with the results of an election that was held under section 4301.355 of the Revised Code, the board shall show and designate all of the following:

(1) All streets and highways in the precinct;

(2) The address of the particular location within the precinct to which the election results will apply as designated in the petition that was filed under section 4301.333 of the Revised Code;

(3) The name of the applicant for the issuance or transfer of the liquor permit, of the holder of the liquor permit, or of the liquor agency store, including any trade or fictitious names under which the applicant, holder, or operator intends to, or does, do business at the particular location, as designated in the petition that was filed under section 4301.333 of the Revised Code.

(E) With the results of an election that was held under section 4301.356 of the Revised Code, the board shall designate both of the following:

(1) Each permit premises designated in the petition;

(2) Each class C or D permit holder's personal or corporate name and, if it is different from the personal or corporate name, the name of the business conducted by the permit holder on the designated premises.

(F) If an application for recount is filed with the board pursuant to section 3515.02 of the Revised Code or if an election contest is commenced pursuant to section 3515.09 of the Revised Code, the board shall send written notice of the recount or contest to the superintendent of liquor control within two days from the date of the filing of the application for recount or the commencement of an election contest either by certified mail or, if the board has record of an internet identifier of record associated with the superintendent, by ordinary mail and by that internet identifier of record. Upon the final determination of an election recount or contest, the board shall send notice of the final determination to the superintendent and the liquor control commission either by certified mail or, if the board has record of an internet identifier of record associated with the superintendent or commission, by ordinary mail and an internet identifier of record associated with the superintendent or commission.

(G) If, as the result of a local option election held pursuant to section 4301.35, 4301.351, 4301.353, 4301.354, 4303.29, or 4305.14 of the Revised Code, the use of a permit is made partially unlawful, the division shall, within thirty days after receipt of the final notice of the result of the election, pick up the permit, amend it by inserting appropriate restrictions on it, and forthwith reissue it without charge or refund to the permit holder, unless, prior to thirty days after receipt of the final notice of the result of the election, both of the following occur:

(1) A petition is filed with the board pursuant to section 4301.333 of the Revised Code;

(2) A copy of the petition filed with the board pursuant to section 4301.333 of the Revised Code, bearing the file stamp of the board, is filed with the superintendent of liquor control.

If both of those conditions are met, the results of the election held pursuant to section 4301.35, 4301.351, 4301.353, 4301.354, 4303.29, or 4305.14 of the Revised Code shall not take effect as to the liquor permit holder specified in the petition filed pursuant to section 4301.333 of the Revised Code until the earlier of a determination by the board and receipt of notification by the superintendent of liquor control of notice that the petition is invalid or receipt by the superintendent of final notice of the result of an election held pursuant to section 4301.355 of the Revised Code concerning the holder of the liquor permit that resulted in a majority "no" vote.

(H) If, as the result of a local option election, except a local option election held pursuant to section 4301.352 of the Revised Code, the use of a permit is made wholly unlawful, the permit holder may, within thirty days after the certification of that final result by the board to the division, deliver the permit holder's permit to the division for safekeeping as provided in section 4303.272 of the Revised Code, or the permit holder may avail itself of the remedy set forth in divisions (G)(1) and (2) of this section. In such event, the results of the election shall not take effect as to the liquor permit holder specified in the petition pursuant to section 4301.333 of the Revised Code until the earlier of a determination by the board and receipt by the superintendent of liquor control of notice that the petition is invalid or receipt by the superintendent of the final notice of the result of an election held pursuant to section 4301.355 of the Revised Code concerning the holder of the liquor permit that resulted in a majority "no" vote.

(I) As used in this section, "internet identifier of record" has the same meaning as in section 9.312 of the Revised Code.

Section 4301.391 | Operation inconsistent with results of local option election.

• Effective: June 4, 1968
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 815 - 107th General Assembly

No permit premises shall remain in operation inconsistent with the results of a local option election after the thirty day period set forth in section 4301.39 of the Revised Code and no court other than in a recount or election contest shall suspend or hold in abeyance any restriction or cancellation brought about by a local option election pursuant to sections 4301.32 to 4301.41, inclusive, and 4305.14 of the Revised Code.

Section 4301.40 | Local option elections not to affect or prohibit certain permits.

• Effective: September 29, 2015
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 141 - 131st General Assembly

(A) No local option election held pursuant to sections 4301.32 to 4301.39 of the Revised Code shall affect or prohibit the following:

(1) The transportation, possession, or consumption of intoxicating liquors within the precinct in which the election is held, or sales in the precinct under B-3, E, or G permits;

(2) The sale of intoxicating liquors, at a permit premises located at any publicly owned airport, as defined in section 4563.01 of the Revised Code, at which commercial airline companies operate regularly scheduled flights on which space is available to the public, provided the permit holder operates pursuant to the authority of a liquor permit issued pursuant to Chapter 4303. of the Revised Code.

(B)(1) As used in this division:

(a) "Ohio history connection area" means the Ohio Historical Center and Ohio village, both located contiguous to the State fairgrounds.

(b) "State fairgrounds" means the property that is held by the state for the purpose of conducting fairs, expositions, and exhibits and all other contiguous property that is owned, maintained, or managed by the Ohio expositions commission under section 991.03 of the Revised Code.

(2) No local option election held under sections 4301.32 to 4301.41 and 4305.14 of the Revised Code, or held under the provisions for local option elections and the election on the question of the repeal of Section 9 of Article XV, Ohio Constitution, in section 4303.29 of the Revised Code, whether held before, on, or after April 9, 2001, prohibits or otherwise affects the sale of beer or intoxicating liquor in or at the Ohio history connection area or the state fairgrounds under a permit issued under Chapter 4303. of the Revised Code.

Section 4301.401 | Permits issued in premises located in annexed territory valid.

• Effective: March 30, 1999
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 402 - 122nd General Assembly

(A) Notwithstanding sections 4301.32 to 4301.391 and 4305.14 of the Revised Code, and the provisions for local option elections and the election on the question of repeal of Section 9 of Article XV, Ohio Constitution, in section 4303.29 of the Revised Code, all C and D permits issued prior to December 4, 1968, by the division of liquor control with respect to premises located in territory annexed prior to December 4, 1968, to any township or municipal corporation in which the sale of beer or intoxicating liquor is allowed under C or D permits, and outstanding on that date or renewable as of that date under section 4303.271 of the Revised Code shall be considered as valid and lawfully issued, and to entitle the holder to the privileges thereof, unless such permit has been finally revoked under Chapter 4301. of the Revised Code, and shall be renewed by the division subject to section 4303.271 of the Revised Code, except that this section does not apply to a local option election held after November 17, 1969.

(B) Notwithstanding sections 4301.32 to 4301.391 and 4305.14 of the Revised Code, and the provisions for local option elections and the election on the question of repeal of Section 9 of Article XV, Ohio Constitution, in section 4303.29 of the Revised Code, the division may issue any C or D permit to a qualified applicant for a permit premises located in an area which was formerly a part of the uninhabited, unincorporated area of a township in which the sale of beer or intoxicating liquor under that C or D liquor permit is prohibited but which is currently a part of a precinct in a municipal corporation in which the sale of beer or intoxicating liquor under that C or D permit is allowed.

Section 4301.402 | Golf course, hotel, motel, or lodge owned by state, conservancy district, park district or political subdivision not affected.

• Effective: October 11, 2002
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 371 - 124th General Assembly

Sections 4301.32 to 4301.391, 4301.41, and 4305.14 of the Revised Code and the provisions for local option elections and the election on the question of the repeal of Section 9 of Article XV, Ohio Constitution, in section 4303.29 of the Revised Code do not affect or prohibit the sale of beer or intoxicating liquor at a golf course or at a hotel, motel, or lodge required to be licensed under section 3731.03 of the Revised Code that contains at least fifty rooms for registered transient guests if the golf course, hotel, motel, or lodge is owned by the state or a conservancy district, park district created under Chapter 1545. of the Revised Code, or other political subdivision of the state and the permit holder for the golf course, hotel, motel, or lodge operates under the authority of a liquor permit issued under Chapter 4303. of the Revised Code.

Section 4301.403 | U.S. Christopher Columbus quincentenary jubilee commission exhibition premises exemptions.

• Effective: March 23, 2022
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 102 - 134th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section, "exhibition premises" means a premises at the site where an exhibition sanctioned by the U.S. Christopher Columbus quincentenary jubilee commission is being or has been held, if the exhibition is or was sponsored by an organization that also is sponsoring or has sponsored an exhibition sanctioned by the international association of horticulture producers.

(B) Sections 4301.32 to 4301.391 and 4305.14 of the Revised Code and the provisions for local option elections and the election on the question of the repeal of Section 9 of Article XV, Ohio Constitution, in section 4303.29 of the Revised Code do not affect or prohibit the sale of beer or intoxicating liquor at an exhibition premises if the permit holder for the premises operates pursuant to the authority of a D liquor permit issued pursuant to Chapter 4303. of the Revised Code.

Permit D-6 shall be issued to the holder of any D permit that authorizes the sale of intoxicating liquor and that is issued for an exhibition premises to allow the sale of intoxicating liquor under the permit at the premises during the hours on Sunday specified in division (N) of section 4303.182 of the Revised Code, whether or not such sale has been authorized in an election held under section 4301.351 of the Revised Code. Notwithstanding section 4301.351 of the Revised Code, the holder of a D permit issued for an exhibition premises may sell beer on Sunday whether or not the sale of intoxicating liquor has been authorized in an election held under that section.

(C) Nothing in section 4303.29 of the Revised Code shall be construed to restrict the issuance of a D permit for an exhibition premises. An application for a D permit for an exhibition premises is exempt from the population quota restrictions contained in section 4303.29 of the Revised Code and from the population quota restrictions contained in any rule of the liquor control commission. The location of a D permit issued for an exhibition premises shall not be transferred. An applicant applying for a D-1, D-2, D-3, D-4, or D-5 permit for an exhibition premises is not subject to section 4303.31 of the Revised Code.

Last updated January 13, 2022 at 12:08 PM

Section 4301.404 | Center for preservation of wild animals exemptions.

• Effective: March 23, 2022
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 102 - 134th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section, "center for the preservation of wild animals" means a conservation center located on not less than five thousand acres of land that provides scientific, educational, and recreational resources to advance the conservation of animal populations and habitats.

(B) Sections 4301.32 to 4301.391 and 4305.14 of the Revised Code and the provisions for local option elections and the election on the repeal of Ohio Constitution, Article XV, Section 9 in section 4303.29 of the Revised Code do not affect or prohibit the sale of beer or intoxicating liquor at a center for the preservation of wild animals if any permit holder for the premises operates pursuant to the authority of a D liquor permit issued pursuant to Chapter 4303. of the Revised Code.

(C) Permit D-6 shall be issued to the holder of any D permit that authorizes the sale of intoxicating liquor and that is issued for a center for the preservation of wild animals to allow the sale of intoxicating liquor under the permit at the premises during the hours on Sunday specified in division (N) of section 4303.182 of the Revised Code, whether or not such sale has been authorized in an election held under section 4301.351 of the Revised Code. Notwithstanding section 4301.351 of the Revised Code, the holder of a D permit issued for a center for the preservation of wild animals may sell beer on Sunday whether or not the sale of intoxicating liquor has been authorized in an election held under that section.

Last updated January 13, 2022 at 12:09 PM

Section 4301.41 | Refund of permit fee upon cancellation.

• Effective: July 23, 2004
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 306 - 125th General Assembly

When the superintendent of liquor control considers it advisable to cancel the unexpired portion of a permit in order that the permit may be issued on a uniform expiration date designated by the superintendent, the division of liquor control may credit the unexpired portion of permit fees outstanding or collect any additional amounts due resulting from the uniform expiration date so fixed. Notice of a change of expiration date and of a credit or additional amounts to be paid shall be given by the division to the holder of the permit at least thirty days prior to the due date.

Section 4301.42 | Tax on sale of beer in sealed bottles and cans.

• Effective: September 30, 2021
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 110 - 134th General Assembly

For the purpose of providing revenue for the support of the state, a tax is hereby levied on the sale of beer in sealed bottles and cans having twelve ounces or less of liquid content, at the rate of fourteen one-hundredths of one cent on each ounce of liquid content or fractional part of each ounce of liquid content, and on such containers in excess of twelve ounces, at the rate of eighty-four one-hundredths of one cent on each six ounces of liquid content or fractional part of each six ounces of liquid content. Sections 4307.01 to 4307.12 of the Revised Code apply in the administration of that tax. Manufacturers, bottlers, and canners of beer, wholesale dealers in beer, and S-1 permit holders have the duty to pay the tax imposed by this section and are entitled to the privileges in the manner provided in section 4303.33 of the Revised Code.

Last updated August 24, 2021 at 2:15 PM

Section 4301.421 | Tax levies to finance sports facilities.

• Effective: September 29, 2013
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 59 - 130th General Assembly

(A) For the purposes of section 307.696 of the Revised Code, to pay the expenses of administering the tax, and to pay any or all of the charge the board of elections makes against the county to hold the election on the question of levying the tax, or for those purposes and to provide revenues to the county for permanent improvements, the board of county commissioners may levy a tax on the sale of beer at a rate not to exceed sixteen cents per gallon, on the sale of cider at a rate not to exceed twenty-four cents per gallon, and on the sale of wine and mixed beverages at a rate not to exceed thirty-two cents per gallon. The tax shall be imposed on all beer, cider, wine, and mixed beverages sold for resale at retail in the county, and on all beer, cider, wine, and mixed beverages sold at retail in the county by the manufacturer, bottler, importer, or other person upon which the tax has not been paid. The tax shall not be levied on the sale of wine to be used for known sacramental purposes. The tax may be levied for any number of years not exceeding twenty. The tax shall be in addition to the taxes imposed by sections 4301.42, 4301.43, 4301.432, and 4305.01 of the Revised Code. The tax shall not be considered a cost in any computation required under rules of the liquor control commission regulating minimum prices or mark-ups.

Only one sale of the same article shall be used in computing, reporting, and paying the amount of tax due.

The tax shall be levied pursuant to a resolution of the county commissioners approved by a majority of the electors in the county voting on the question of levying the tax, which resolution shall specify the rate of the tax, the number of years the tax will be levied, and the purposes for which the tax is levied. The election may be held on the date of a general election or special election held not sooner than ninety days after the date the board certifies its resolution to the board of elections. If approved by the electors, the tax shall take effect on the first day of the month specified in the resolution but not sooner than the first day of the month that is at least sixty days after the certification of the election results by the board of elections. A copy of the resolution levying the tax and the certification of the board of elections shall be certified to the tax commissioner at least sixty days prior to the date on which the tax is to become effective.

A resolution under this section may be joined on the ballot as a single question with a resolution adopted under section 307.697 or 5743.024 of the Revised Code to levy a tax for the same purposes and for the purpose of paying the expenses of administering the tax. The form of the ballot in an election held pursuant to this section shall be as prescribed in section 307.697 of the Revised Code.

(B) The board of county commissioners of a county in which a tax is imposed under this section on the effective date of the amendment of this section by H.B. 59 of the 130th general assembly may levy a tax for the purpose of section 307.673 of the Revised Code regardless of whether or not the cooperative agreement authorized under that section has been entered into prior to the day the resolution adopted under division (B)(1) or (2) of this section is adopted, for the purpose of reimbursing a county for costs incurred in the construction of a sports facility pursuant to an agreement entered into by the county under section 307.696 of the Revised Code, or for the purpose of paying the costs of capital repairs of and improvements to a sports facility. The tax shall be levied and approved in one of the manners prescribed by division (B)(1) or (2) of this section.

(1) The tax may be levied pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the members of the board of county commissioners not later than September 2, 1995. A board of county commissioners approving a tax under division (B)(1) of this section may approve a tax under division (D)(1) of section 307.697 or division (C)(1) of section 5743.024 of the Revised Code at the same time. Subject to the resolution being submitted to a referendum under sections 305.31 to 305.41 of the Revised Code, the resolution shall take effect immediately, but the tax levied pursuant to the resolution shall not be levied prior to the day following the last day that any tax previously levied pursuant to this division may be levied.

(2) The tax may be levied pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the members of the board of county commissioners not later than September 1, 2015, and approved by a majority of the electors of the county voting on the question of levying the tax. The board of county commissioners shall certify a copy of the resolution to the board of elections immediately upon adopting a resolution under division (D)(2) of this section. The election may be held on the date of a general or special election held not sooner than ninety days after the date the board certifies its resolution to the board of elections. The form of the ballot shall be as prescribed by division (C) of section 307.697 of the Revised Code, except that the phrase "paying not more than one-half of the costs of providing a sports facility together with related redevelopment and economic development projects" shall be replaced by the phrase "paying the costs of constructing, renovating, improving, or repairing a sports facility and reimbursing a county for costs incurred by the county in the construction of a sports facility," and the phrase ", beginning __________ (here insert the earliest date the tax would take effect)" shall be appended after "years." A board of county commissioners submitting the question of a tax under division (B)(2) of this section may submit the question of a tax under division (D)(2) of section 307.697 or division (C)(2) of section 5743.024 of the Revised Code as a single question, and the form of the ballot shall include each of the proposed taxes.

If approved by a majority of electors voting on the question, the tax shall take effect on the day specified on the ballot, which shall not be earlier than the day following the last day that any tax previously levied pursuant to this division may be levied.

The rate of a tax levied pursuant to division (B)(1) or (2) of this section shall not exceed the rate specified in division (A) of this section. A tax levied pursuant to division (B)(1) or (2) of this section may be levied for any number of years not exceeding twenty.

A board of county commissioners adopting a resolution under division (B)(1) or (2) of this section shall certify a copy of the resolution to the tax commissioner immediately upon adoption of the resolution.

(C) No tax shall be levied under division (A) of this section on or after September 23, 2008. This division does not apply to a tax levied under division (B) of this section, and does not prevent the collection of any tax levied under this section before September 23, 2008, so long as that tax remains effective.

Section 4301.422 | Retail sellers liable for county tax.

• Effective: January 1, 2003
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 94 - 124th General Assembly

(A) Any person who makes sales of beer, cider, wine, or mixed beverages to persons for resale at retail in a county in which a tax has been enacted pursuant to section 4301.421 or 4301.424 of the Revised Code, and any manufacturer, bottler, importer, or other person who makes sales at retail in the county upon which the tax has not been paid, is liable for the tax. Each person liable for the tax shall register with the tax commissioner on a form prescribed by the commissioner and provide whatever information the commissioner considers necessary.

(B) Each person liable for the tax shall file a return and pay the tax to the tax commissioner by the last day of the month following the month in which the sale occurred. The return is considered to be filed when received by the tax commissioner. The return shall be prescribed by the commissioner, and no person filing such a return shall fail to provide the information specified on the return. If the return is filed and the amount of tax shown on the return to be due is paid on or before the date the return is required to be filed, the person required to file the return shall receive an administrative fee of two and one-half per cent of that person's total tax liability under section 4301.421 of the Revised Code for the purpose of offsetting additional costs incurred in collecting and remitting the tax. Any person required to file a return who fails to file timely may be required to forfeit and pay into the state treasury an amount not exceeding fifty dollars or ten per cent of the tax due, whichever is greater, as revenue arising from the tax. That amount may be collected by assessment in the manner specified in sections 4305.13 and 4305.131 of the Revised Code.

(C) A tax levied pursuant to section 4301.421 or 4301.424 of the Revised Code shall be administered by the tax commissioner. The commissioner shall have all powers and authority incident to such administration, including examination of records, audit, refund, assessment, and seizure and forfeiture of untaxed beverages. The procedures, rights, privileges, limitations, prohibitions, responsibilities, and duties specified in sections 4301.48 to 4301.52, 4305.13, 4305.131, and 4307.01 to 4307.12 of the Revised Code apply in the administration of the tax.

(D) Each person required to pay the tax levied pursuant to section 4301.421 or 4301.424 of the Revised Code who sells beer, cider, wine, or mixed beverages for resale at retail within a county in which the tax is levied shall clearly mark on all invoices, billings, and similar documents the amount of tax and the name of the county in which the tax is levied.

(E) Each person required to pay the tax levied by section 4301.421 or 4301.424 of the Revised Code shall maintain complete records of all sales for at least three years. The records shall be open to inspection by the tax commissioner.

(F) All money collected by the tax commissioner under this section shall be paid to the treasurer of state as revenue arising from the tax imposed by section 4301.421 or 4301.424 of the Revised Code.

Section 4301.423 | Crediting and distribution of tax receipts.

• Effective: July 19, 1995
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 188 - 121st General Assembly

The treasurer of state shall credit all moneys arising from each county's taxes levied under section 4301.421 or 4301.424 of the Revised Code as follows:

(A) To the tax refund fund created by section 5703.052 of the Revised Code, amounts equal to the refunds from each tax as certified by the tax commissioner pursuant to section 4307.05 of the Revised Code;

(B) Following the crediting of amounts pursuant to division (A) of this section:

(1) To the permissive tax distribution fund, which is hereby created in the state treasury, an amount equal to ninety-eight per cent of the remainder collected;

(2) To the local excise tax administration fund created by division (B)(2) of section 5743.024 of the Revised Code, an amount equal to two per cent of such remainder, for use by the tax commissioner in defraying costs the commissioner incurs in administering the tax.

On or before the second working day of each month, the treasurer of state shall certify to the tax commissioner the amount of taxes levied in each county under section 4301.421 of the Revised Code and paid to the treasurer of state during the preceding month.

On or before the tenth day of each month, the tax commissioner shall distribute the amount credited to the permissive tax distribution fund from such taxes during the preceding month by providing for payment in the appropriate amount to the county treasurer of each county in which the tax is levied, who shall credit the payment to the fund or account designated by the board of county commissioners or the board of directors of a convention facilities authority levying the tax.

Section 4301.424 | Tax levies to finance construction or renovation of sports facility.

• Effective: July 2, 2010
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 48 - 128th General Assembly

(A) For the purpose of section 351.26 of the Revised Code and to pay any or all of the charge the board of elections makes against the county to hold the election on the question of levying the tax, the board of county commissioners, in the manner prescribed by division (A) of section 351.26 of the Revised Code, may levy a tax on each gallon of spirituous liquor; on the sale of beer; and on the sale of wine and mixed beverages. The tax on spirituous liquor shall be imposed on spirituous liquor sold to or purchased by liquor permit holders for resale, and sold at retail by the division of liquor control, in the county at a rate not greater than three dollars per gallon; the tax on beer, wine, and mixed beverages shall be imposed on all beer, wine, and mixed beverages sold for resale at retail in the county, and on all beer, wine, and mixed beverages sold at retail in the county by the manufacturer, bottler, importer, or other person and upon which the tax has not been paid. The rate of the tax on beer shall not exceed sixteen cents per gallon, and the rate of the tax on wine and mixed beverages shall not exceed thirty-two cents per gallon. Only one sale of the same article shall be used in computing, reporting, and paying the amount of tax due. The tax may be levied for any number of years not exceeding twenty.

The tax shall be levied pursuant to a resolution of the board of county commissioners adopted as prescribed by division (A) of section 351.26 of the Revised Code and approved by a majority of the electors in the county voting on the question of levying the tax. The resolution shall specify the rates of the tax, the number of years the tax will be levied, and the purposes for which the tax is levied. Such election may be held on the date of a general or special election held not sooner than ninety days after the date the board certifies its resolution to the board of elections. If approved by the electors, the tax takes effect on the first day of the month specified in the resolution but not sooner than the first day of the month that is at least sixty days after the certification of the election results by the board of elections. A copy of the resolution levying the tax shall be certified to the division of liquor control and the tax commissioner at least sixty days prior to the date on which the tax is to become effective.

(B) A resolution under this section may be joined on the ballot as a single question with a resolution adopted under section 5743.026 of the Revised Code to levy a tax for the same purposes, and for the purpose of paying the expenses of administering that tax.

(C) The form of the ballot in an election held on the question of levying a tax proposed pursuant to this section shall be as prescribed by section 351.26 of the Revised Code.

(D) No tax shall be levied under this section on or after September 23, 2008. This division does not prevent the collection of any tax levied under this section before that date so long as that tax remains effective.

Section 4301.43 | Tax on sale and distribution of wine and mixed beverages.

• Effective: June 30, 2021
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 110 - 134th General Assembly

(A) As used in sections 4301.43 to 4301.50 of the Revised Code:

(1) "Gallon" or "wine gallon" means one hundred twenty-eight fluid ounces.

(2) "Sale" or "sell" includes exchange, barter, gift, distribution, and, except with respect to A-4 permit holders, offer for sale.

(B) For the purposes of providing revenues for the support of the state and encouraging the grape industries in the state, a tax is hereby levied on the sale or distribution of wine in Ohio, except for known sacramental purposes, at the rate of thirty cents per wine gallon for wine containing not less than four per cent of alcohol by volume and not more than fourteen per cent of alcohol by volume, ninety-eight cents per wine gallon for wine containing more than fourteen per cent but not more than twenty-one per cent of alcohol by volume, one dollar and eight cents per wine gallon for vermouth, and one dollar and forty-eight cents per wine gallon for sparkling and carbonated wine and champagne, the tax to be paid by the holders of A-2, A-2f,B-5, S-1, and S-2 permits or by any other person selling or distributing wine upon which no tax has been paid. From the tax paid under this section on wine, vermouth, and sparkling and carbonated wine and champagne, the treasurer of state shall credit to the Ohio grape industries fund created under section 924.54 of the Revised Code a sum equal to one cent per gallon for each gallon upon which the tax is paid.

(C) For the purpose of providing revenues for the support of the state, there is hereby levied a tax on prepared and bottled highballs, cocktails, cordials, and other mixed beverages at the rate of one dollar and twenty cents per wine gallon to be paid by holders of A-4 permits or by any other person selling or distributing those products upon which no tax has been paid. Only one sale of the same article shall be used in computing the amount of tax due. The tax on mixed beverages to be paid by holders of A-4 permits under this section shall not attach until the ownership of the mixed beverage is transferred for valuable consideration to a wholesaler or retailer, and no payment of the tax shall be required prior to that time.

(D) From the tax paid under this section on wine, vermouth, and sparkling and carbonated wine and champagne, the treasurer of state shall credit to the Ohio grape industries fund created under section 924.54 of the Revised Code a sum equal to two cents per gallon upon which the tax is paid. The amount credited under this division is in addition to the amount credited to the Ohio grape industries fund under division (B) of this section.

(E) For the purpose of providing revenues for the support of the state, there is hereby levied a tax on cider at the rate of twenty-four cents per wine gallon to be paid by the holders of A-2, A-2f, and B-5 permits or by any other person selling or distributing cider upon which no tax has been paid. Only one sale of the same article shall be used in computing the amount of the tax due.

Last updated November 8, 2021 at 11:57 AM

Section 4301.432 | Tax on sale and distribution of vermouth, sparkling and carbonated wine and champagne, and other wine.

• Effective: September 30, 2021
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 110 - 134th General Assembly

For the purpose of encouraging the grape industries of the state, a tax is hereby levied on the sale or distribution of vermouth, sparkling and carbonated wine and champagne, and other wine, except for known sacramental purposes, at the rate of two cents per wine gallon, the tax to be paid by the holders of A-2, A-2f, B-2a, B-5, S-1, and S-2 permits or by any other person selling or distributing wine upon which no such tax has been paid. The treasurer of state shall credit to the Ohio grape industries fund created under section 924.54 of the Revised Code the moneys the treasurer of state receives from this tax.

Last updated August 24, 2021 at 2:16 PM

Section 4301.433 | Out-of state wine bottlers to furnish invoices.

• Effective: October 11, 2002
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 371 - 124th General Assembly

In order to assist with the collection of the tax levied under section 4301.43 of the Revised Code, a supplier of wine that is bottled outside this state and that is shipped into and intended for sale within this state shall furnish to the tax commissioner two copies of the invoice for each shipment of that wine into this state. The supplier may furnish the invoice information electronically in a format prescribed by the tax commissioner. All such invoices and invoice information shall be open to public inspection during regular business hours.

Section 4301.44 | Administration of alcoholic beverage taxes.

• Effective: November 24, 1995
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 239 - 121st General Assembly

The tax commissioner shall exercise with respect to the administration of the tax imposed by sections 4301.43 and 4301.432 of the Revised Code all the powers and duties vested in or imposed upon him by sections 4307.04 to 4307.07 of the Revised Code. Manufacturers and bottlers of and wholesale dealers in wine have the duty to pay the tax imposed by sections 4301.43 and, if applicable, 4301.432 of the Revised Code and are entitled to the privileges in the manner provided in section 4301.33 of the Revised Code.

Last updated September 28, 2023 at 12:22 PM

Section 4301.441 | Disclosure of information provided by department of taxation.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

Any information provided to a state agency by the department of taxation in accordance with section 5703.21 of the Revised Code for the purpose of verifying a permit holder's gallonage or noncompliance with taxes levied under this chapter or Chapter 4305. of the Revised Code shall not be disclosed publicly by that agency, except for purposes of enforcement, to deny the renewal of a liquor permit, or to report such information to the alcohol and tobacco tax and trade bureau in the United States department of the treasury.

Last updated September 1, 2023 at 11:19 AM

Section 4301.45 | Seizure of beer or intoxicating liquors transported or possessed illegally.

• Effective: July 1, 2007
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 241 - 126th General Assembly

When any law enforcement officer discovers any person in the act of transporting in violation of law beer or intoxicating liquors in any wagon, buggy, automobile, watercraft, aircraft, or other vehicle, the officer shall seize all beer or intoxicating liquors found therein being transported contrary to law. Whenever beer or intoxicating liquors transported or possessed illegally are seized by a law enforcement officer, the officer shall take possession of the vehicle and team, or automobile, boat, watercraft, aircraft, or any other conveyance, and shall arrest any person in charge thereof. The law enforcement officer shall at once proceed against the person arrested under Chapters 4301. and 4303. of the Revised Code, in any court having jurisdiction of offenses under those chapters, but the vehicle or conveyance shall be returned to the owner upon execution by the owner of a valid bond with sufficient sureties, in a sum equal to the value of the property, which bond shall be approved by the law enforcement officer and shall be conditioned to return said property to the custody of said officer on the day of trial to abide by the judgment of the court. The court, upon conviction of the person so arrested, shall order the beer or intoxicating liquor that was not illegally manufactured to be forfeited to the state and disposed of under sections 2981.11 to 2981.13 of the Revised Code, and unless good cause to the contrary is shown by the owner, shall order a sale at public auction of the property seized, and the officer making the sale, after deducting the expenses of keeping the property, the fee for the seizure, and the cost of the sale, shall pay all liens, according to their priorities, which are established, by intervention or otherwise at said hearing or in other proceeding brought for said purpose, as being bona fide and as having been created without the lienor having any notice that the carrying vehicle was being used or was to be used for illegal transportation of beer or intoxicating liquor, and shall distribute the balance as money arising from fines and forfeited bonds under such chapters is distributed. The court, upon conviction of the person so arrested, shall order the beer or intoxicating liquor that was illegally manufactured to be destroyed.

All liens against property sold under this section shall be transferred from the property to the proceeds of the sale of the property. If no claimant is found for the team, vehicle, watercraft, aircraft, automobile, or other conveyance, the taking of the same, with its description, shall be advertised in some newspaper published in the city or county where taken, or if there is no newspaper published in such city or county, in a newspaper having circulation in the county, once a week for four weeks and by handbills posted in three public places near the place of seizure, and if no claimant appears within ten days after the last publication of the advertisement, the property shall be sold and the proceeds after deducting the expense and costs shall be distributed as if there were a claimant for said vehicle or conveyance.

Section 4301.46 | Credit of moneys received.

• Effective: November 15, 1981
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 694 - 114th General Assembly

Except as otherwise provided by law, moneys received into the state treasury from the taxes levied, penalties assessed, and sums recovered under Chapters 4301. and 4303. of the Revised Code shall be credited to the general revenue fund.

Section 4301.47 | Record retention.

• Effective: September 28, 2016
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 342 - 131st General Assembly

Every class A-1, A-1c, A-2, A-2f, and A-4 permit holder and each class B or S permit holder shall maintain and keep for a period of three years a record of the beer, wine, and mixed beverages purchased, distributed, or sold within this state by the permit holder, together with invoices, records, receipts, bills of lading, and other pertinent papers required by the tax commissioner and, upon demand by the tax commissioner, shall produce these records for a three-year period prior to the demand unless upon satisfactory proof it is shown that the nonproduction is due to causes beyond the permit holder's control.

Section 4301.48 | False entries on invoices or containers prohibited.

• Effective: March 20, 1990
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 188 - 118th General Assembly

No person shall make any false entry upon an invoice or upon a container of beer, wine, or mixed beverages required to be made under this chapter and Chapters 4303. and 4307. of the Revised Code, or present any such false entry for the inspection of the tax commissioner.

Section 4301.49 | Prevention or hindrance of inspection.

• Effective: July 19, 1995
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 188 - 121st General Assembly

No person shall prevent or hinder the tax commissioner from making a full inspection of any place where beer, wine, or mixed beverages subject to the tax imposed by section 4301.42, 4301.421, 4301.424, or 4301.43 of the Revised Code is manufactured, sold, or stored. No person shall prevent or hinder the full inspection of invoices, books, records, or papers required to be kept under this chapter and Chapters 4305. and 4307. of the Revised Code.

Section 4301.50 | Distribution or sale of beverages without tax prohibited.

• Effective: July 19, 1995
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 188 - 121st General Assembly

No person, firm, or corporation or his or its employee or agent shall distribute or sell any beverage upon which the tax provided for by sections 4301.42, 4301.421, 4301.424, 4301.43, 4301.432, and 4305.01 of the Revised Code has not been paid. Any person, firm, or corporation or his or its employee or agent who violates this section or any rule of the tax commissioner shall be subject to all penalties provided in division (A) of section 4307.99 of the Revised Code.

Section 4301.52 | Seizure of wine, mixed beverage, or beer upon which tax has not been paid.

• Effective: March 20, 1990
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 188 - 118th General Assembly

Whenever the tax commissioner or any of his deputies or employees authorized by him for such purpose discover any wine, mixed beverage, or beer, subject to tax under this chapter or Chapter 4303. or 4305. of the Revised Code, and upon which the tax has not been paid, the commissioner or such deputy or employee may forthwith seize such wine, mixed beverage, or beer, which is thereby forfeited to the state. The commissioner may within a reasonable time thereafter by a notice posted upon the premises where such seizure is made, or by publication in some newspaper having circulation in the county wherein such seizure is made, at least five days before the date of sale, sell such forfeited wine, mixed beverage, or beer, and from the proceeds of such sale shall collect the tax due together with a forfeiture of fifty per cent thereof and the costs incurred in such proceedings and pay the balance to the person in whose possession such forfeited wine, mixed beverage, or beer was found, provided that such seizure and sale shall not relieve any person from fine or imprisonment provided for violation of this chapter and Chapters 4303. and 4305. of the Revised Code. Such sale shall be made in the county where most convenient and economical. All moneys collected under this section shall be paid into the state treasury to the credit of the general revenue fund.

Section 4301.53 | Search warrants - seizure of property.

• Effective: July 1, 2007
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 241 - 126th General Assembly

The judge of a court of record may issue warrants to search a house, building, place, vehicle, watercraft, aircraft, or conveyance for beer, alcohol, or intoxicating liquor manufactured, possessed, stored, concealed, sold, furnished, given away, or transported in violation of Chapters 4301. and 4303. of the Revised Code, and the containers in which the same is found, or machinery, tools, implements, equipment, supplies, and materials used or kept for use in manufacturing beer or intoxicating liquor in violation of those chapters, and to seize any of that property and things found in it, together with the vehicle, watercraft, aircraft, or conveyance in which the same is found. The issuance of those warrants is subject in all respects to sections 2933.22 to 2933.27 of the Revised Code; except that any such vehicle, watercraft, aircraft, or other conveyance shall be returned to its owner upon execution by the owner of a bond with surety to the satisfaction of the enforcement agent of the department of public safety or other law enforcement officer making the seizure in an equal amount to its value, conditioned upon its return to the custody of such agent or officer on the day of trial to abide by the judgment of the court. Upon conviction of any violation of Chapters 4301. and 4303. of the Revised Code, any property found in the possession of the person convicted or the person's agent or employee shall be disposed of as provided in section 4301.45 of the Revised Code. If the accused is discharged by the judge or magistrate, such vehicle, watercraft, aircraft, or other conveyance shall be returned to its owner, and any bond given pursuant to this section shall be canceled. If the accused is the holder of a permit issued under Chapters 4301. and 4303. of the Revised Code, any beer, intoxicating liquor, or alcohol seized shall be disposed of as provided in section 4301.29 of the Revised Code, and any other property seized shall be returned to its owner by the officer having the custody or possession of such property. If the accused is not the holder of such a permit in force at the time, any beer, intoxicating liquor, or alcohol that was not illegally manufactured shall be forfeited to the state and shall forthwith be disposed of under sections 2981.11 to 2981.13 of the Revised Code. Illegally manufactured beer, intoxicating liquor, or alcohol, and other property, except as provided in this section, shall be destroyed, and any such beer, intoxicating liquor, or alcohol, or other property is hereby declared to be a public nuisance.

Section 4301.54 | Retaliatory tax on liquor products sold in, delivered, or shipped into Ohio.

• Effective: October 11, 2002
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 371 - 124th General Assembly

If the laws of another state, territory, or nation, or the rules and regulations of an administrative body in another state, territory, or nation, provide for the levy and collection of taxes, fees, and charges upon the products of Ohio manufacturers of wine or manufacturers or brewers of beer when those products are sold in, delivered, or shipped into the other state, territory, or nation, in excess of the taxes, fees, and charges levied and collected on the products of manufacturers or brewers of those states, territories, or nations, whether those taxes, fees, and charges are in the nature of an excise, sales, or import tax, or by whatever name designated, the tax commissioner shall levy and collect additional taxes, fees, and charges on the products of manufacturers of wine or manufacturers and brewers of beer of that other state, territory, or nation when sold in, delivered, or shipped into this state.

The additional taxes, fees, and charges shall be in excess of those provided for in other sections of this chapter or Chapters 4303. and 4307. and section 4305.13 of the Revised Code, in the same proportion or in the same amount as taxes, fees, and charges levied and collected in the other state, territory, or nation upon the products of Ohio manufacturers of wine or manufacturers or brewers of beer are in excess of those levied and collected on the products of manufacturers and brewers of the other state, territory, or nation.

If the laws of another state, territory, or nation, or the rules and regulations of an administrative body in another state, territory, or nation, provide for the levy and collection of taxes, fees, or charges against Ohio manufacturers of wine or manufacturers or brewers of beer for the privilege of doing business in that state, territory, or nation, like amounts shall be levied and collected on manufacturers or brewers of that state, territory, or nation for the privilege of doing business in this state.

Section 4301.55 | Retaliatory tax on liquor products transported, manufactured or warehoused in Ohio.

• Effective: October 11, 2002
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 371 - 124th General Assembly

If the laws of another state, territory, or nation, or the rules and regulations of any administrative body in another state, territory, or nation, authorize or impose any tax, fee, or charge upon the right to transport or import into that state, territory, or nation any beer or wine manufactured in this state; or authorize or impose any different warehousing requirements or higher warehousing or inspection fees upon any beer or wine manufactured in this state and imported into or sold in that state, territory, or nation than are imposed upon beer and wine manufactured in that state, territory, or nation; or impose any higher fee for the privilege of selling or handling beer or wine manufactured in this state than is imposed for the privilege of handling or selling the same kind of beverages manufactured within that state, territory, or nation or any other state, territory, or nation, the tax commissioner shall levy and collect similar taxes, fees, and charges from licensees or persons selling in this state beer and wine manufactured in that other state, territory, or nation. The taxes, fees, and charges shall be in addition to the taxes, fees, and charges assessed and collected by the commissioner under section 4301.54 of the Revised Code.

Section 4301.56 | List of permit holders furnished to tax commissioner for administration of liquor taxes.

• Effective: July 1, 1997
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 162 - 121st General Assembly

The division of liquor control shall on the first day of each month certify to the tax commissioner a list of the names and addresses of all holders of permits issued by it during the preceding month and then in force, together with a list of eliminations from any prior list. The taxation provisions of Chapters 4301. and 4303. of the Revised Code are laws which the commissioner is required to administer within the meaning of sections 5703.19 to 5703.37 5703.39, and 5703.41 of the Revised Code.

Section 4301.57 | Fines and forfeited bonds.

• Effective: October 1, 1953
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly

Money from fines and forfeited bonds collected under any of the penal laws of this state relating to the manufacture, importation, transportation, distritbution or sale of beer or intoxicating liquor shall be paid as follows: one half to the credit of the general revenue fund and one half to the treasury of the county where the prosecution is held.

Section 4301.58 | Permits required.

• Effective: June 8, 2022
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 9 - 134th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Charitable organization" is an organization described under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and exempt from federal income taxation under section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code.

(2) "Fundraiser" means a raffle, silent auction, or event where a door prize is awarded.

(3) "Political organization" means a political organization defined under section 527 of the Internal Revenue Code.

(4) "Raffle" means a raffle conducted in accordance with Chapter 2915. of the Revised Code.

(5) "Silent auction" means a method of submitting bids in writing by one or more persons and, after a review of all the bids received, personal property is awarded to the highest and most responsive bidder.

(B) No person, personally or by the person's clerk, agent, or employee, who is not the holder of an A permit issued by the division of liquor control, in force at the time, and authorizing the manufacture of beer or intoxicating liquor, or who is not an agent or employee of the division authorized to manufacture such beer or intoxicating liquor, shall manufacture any beer or intoxicating liquor for sale, or shall manufacture spirituous liquor.

(C) No person, personally or by the person's clerk, agent, or employee, who is not the holder of an A, B, C, D, E, F, G, I, or S permit issued by the division, in force at the time, and authorizing the sale of beer, intoxicating liquor, or alcohol, or who is not an agent or employee of the division or the tax commissioner authorized to sell such beer, intoxicating liquor, or alcohol, shall sell, keep, or possess beer, intoxicating liquor, or alcohol for sale to any persons other than those authorized by Chapters 4301. and 4303. of the Revised Code to purchase any beer or intoxicating liquor, or sell any alcohol at retail.

(D) No person, personally or by the person's clerk, agent, or employee, who is the holder of a permit issued by the division, shall sell, keep, or possess for sale any intoxicating liquor not purchased from the division or from the holder of a permit issued by the division authorizing the sale of such intoxicating liquor unless the same has been purchased with the special consent of the division. The division shall revoke the permit of any person convicted of a violation of division (C) of this section.

(E) Division (C) of this section does not apply to either of the following:

(1) The sale or possession for sale of any low-alcohol beverage;

(2) Beer and intoxicating liquor that is given away if all of the following apply:

(a) The beer or intoxicating liquor is given away by a charitable or political organization to a participant in a fundraiser.

(b) Any beer, wine, or mixed beverages given away via the fundraiser is purchased from a person issued a permit under Chapter 4303. of the Revised Code.

(c) Any spirituous liquor given away via the fundraiser is purchased from an agency store located in this state.

(d) Regarding any spirituous liquor donated to the charitable or political organization for purposes of the fundraiser, the donor is not an agency store located in this state and submits to the charitable or political organization receipts showing that the donor purchased the spirituous liquor from an agency store located in this state.

(e) The charitable or political organization submits purchase receipts for the spirituous liquor given away via a fundraiser to the division of liquor control as proof that the spirituous liquor was purchased from an agency store located in this state. The charitable or political organization shall submit the receipts in accordance with procedures that the division shall establish.

Last updated March 11, 2022 at 3:48 PM

Section 4301.59 | False or fraudulent statement in warehouse receipts.

• Effective: October 1, 1953
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly

No person, or his clerk, agent, or employee , shall make or issue any false or fraudulent statement, either orally or in writing, concerning the future value or use of any bonded warehouse receipt for spirituous liquor, or concerning the age, quality, quantity, ingredients, source, future value, or use of the spirituous liquor represented by such receipt for the purpose of promoting or inducing the sale or purchase of such receipt in this state.

Section 4301.60 | Illegal transportation of beer, intoxicating liquor, or alcohol prohibited.

• Effective: July 1, 1997
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 162 - 121st General Assembly

No person, who is not the holder of an H permit, shall transport beer, intoxicating liquor, or alcohol in this state. This section does not apply to the transportation and delivery of beer, alcohol, or intoxicating liquor purchased or to be purchased from the holder of a permit issued by the division of liquor control, in force at the time, and authorizing the sale and delivery of the beer, alcohol, or intoxicating liquor so transported, or to the transportation and delivery of beer, intoxicating liquor, or alcohol purchased from the division or the tax commissioner, or purchased by the holder of an A or B permit outside this state and transported within this state by them in their own trucks for the purpose of sale under their permits.

Section 4301.61 | Transaction scans to check the validity of driver's or commercial driver's license or identification card.

• Effective: September 29, 2015
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 64 - 131st General Assembly

(A) As used in this section and section 4301.611 of the Revised Code:

(1) "Card holder" means any person who presents a driver's or commercial driver's license or an identification card to a permit holder, or an agent or employee of a permit holder, for either of the purposes listed in division (A)(4)(a) or (b) of this section.

(2) "Identification card" means an identification card issued under sections 4507.50 to 4507.52 of the Revised Code or an equivalent identification card issued by another state.

(3) "Permit holder" means the holder of a permit issued under Chapter 4303. of the Revised Code.

(4) "Transaction scan" means the process by which a permit holder or an agent or employee of a permit holder checks, by means of a transaction scan device, the validity of a driver's or commercial driver's license or an identification card that is presented as a condition for doing either of the following:

(a) Purchasing any beer, intoxicating liquor, or low-alcohol beverage;

(b) Gaining admission to a premises that has been issued a liquor permit authorizing the sale of beer or intoxicating liquor for consumption on the premises where sold, and where admission is restricted to persons twenty-one years of age or older.

(5) "Transaction scan device" means any commercial device or combination of devices used at a point of sale that is capable of deciphering in an electronically readable format the information encoded on the magnetic strip or bar code of a driver's or commercial driver's license or an identification card.

(B)(1) A permit holder or an agent or employee of a permit holder may perform a transaction scan by means of a transaction scan device to check the validity of a driver's or commercial driver's license or identification card presented by a card holder for either of the purposes listed in division (A)(4)(a) or (b) of this section.

(2) If the information deciphered by the transaction scan performed under division (B)(1) of this section fails to match the information printed on the driver's or commercial driver's license or identification card presented by the card holder, or if the transaction scan indicates that the information so printed is false or fraudulent, neither the permit holder nor any agent or employee of the permit holder shall sell any beer, intoxicating liquor, or low-alcohol beverage to the card holder.

(3) Division (B)(1) of this section does not preclude a permit holder or an agent or employee of a permit holder from using a transaction scan device to check the validity of a document other than a driver's or commercial driver's license or an identification card, if the document includes a bar code or magnetic strip that may be scanned by the device, as a condition of a sale of beer, intoxicating liquor, or a low-alcohol beverage or of granting admission to a premises described in division (A)(4) of this section.

(C) The registrar of motor vehicles, with the approval of the liquor control commission, shall adopt, and may amend or rescind, rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code that do both of the following:

(1) Govern the recording and maintenance of information described in divisions (D)(1)(a) and (b) of this section, divisions (D)(1)(a) and (b) of section 2927.021 of the Revised Code, and divisions (D)(1)(a) and (b) of section 2925.57 of the Revised Code;

(2) Ensure quality control in the use of transaction scan devices under this section and sections 2927.021, 2927.022, 2925.57, 2925.58, and 4301.611 of the Revised Code.

(D)(1) No permit holder or agent or employee of a permit holder shall electronically or mechanically record or maintain any information derived from a transaction scan, except the following:

(a) The name and date of birth of the person listed on the driver's or commercial driver's license or identification card presented by a card holder;

(b) The expiration date and identification number of the driver's or commercial driver's license or identification card presented by a card holder.

(2) No permit holder or agent or employee of a permit holder shall use the information that is derived from a transaction scan or that is permitted to be recorded and maintained by division (D)(1) of this section, except for purposes of section 4301.611 of the Revised Code.

(3) No permit holder or agent or employee of a permit holder shall use a transaction scan device for a purpose other than a purpose listed in division (A)(4)(a) or (b) of this section.

(4) No permit holder or agent or employee of a permit holder shall sell or otherwise disseminate the information derived from a transaction scan to any third party, including, but not limited to, selling or otherwise disseminating that information for any marketing, advertising, or promotional activities, but a permit holder or agent or employee of a permit holder may release that information pursuant to a court order or as specifically authorized by section 4301.611 or another section of the Revised Code.

(E) Nothing in this section or section 4301.611 of the Revised Code relieves a permit holder or an agent or employee of a permit holder of any responsibility to comply with any other applicable state or federal laws or rules governing the sale of beer, intoxicating liquor, or low-alcohol beverages.

(F) Whoever violates division (B)(2) or (D) of this section is guilty of an illegal liquor transaction scan, and the court may impose upon the offender a civil penalty of up to one thousand dollars for each violation. The clerk of the court shall pay each collected civil penalty to the county treasurer for deposit into the county treasury.

Section 4301.611 | Transaction scan as affirmative defense where age of purchaser is element of crime.

• Effective: September 21, 2000
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 200 - 123rd General Assembly

(A) A permit holder or an agent or employee of a permit holder may not be found guilty of a charge of a violation of this chapter or any rule of the liquor control commission in which the age of a purchaser of any beer, intoxicating liquor, or low-alcohol beverage is an element of the alleged violation, if the permit holder, agent, or employee raises and proves as an affirmative defense that all of the following occurred:

(1) The card holder attempting to purchase any beer, intoxicating liquor, or low-alcohol beverage presented a driver's or commercial driver's license or an identification card.

(2) A transaction scan of the driver's or commercial driver's license or identification card that the card holder presented indicated that the license or card was valid.

(3) The beer, intoxicating liquor, or low-alcohol beverage was sold to the card holder in reasonable reliance upon the identification presented and the completed transaction scan.

(B) In determining whether a permit holder or an agent or employee of a permit holder has proven the affirmative defense provided by division (A) of this section, the liquor control commission or the trier of fact in a court of record shall consider any written policy that the permit holder has adopted and implemented and that is intended to prevent violations of division (A)(1) or (2) of section 4301.22 and of sections 4301.63 to 4301.636, 4301.69, and 4301.691 of the Revised Code. For purposes of division (A)(3) of this section, the commission or trier of fact shall consider that reasonable reliance upon the identification presented and the completed transaction scan may require a permit holder or an agent or employee of a permit holder to exercise reasonable diligence to determine, and that the use of a transaction scan device does not excuse a permit holder or an agent or employee of a permit holder from exercising reasonable diligence to determine, the following:

(1) Whether a person to whom the permit holder or agent or employee of a permit holder sells any beer or intoxicating liquor is twenty-one years of age or older or sells any low-alcohol beverage is eighteen years of age or older;

(2) Whether the description and picture appearing on the driver's or commercial driver's license or identification card presented by a card holder is that of the card holder.

(C) The affirmative defense provided by division (A) of this section is in addition to the defense provided by section 4301.639 of the Revised Code.

(D) In any hearing before the liquor control commission and in any criminal action in which the affirmative defense provided by division (A) of this section is raised, the registrar of motor vehicles or a deputy registrar who issued an identification card under sections 4507.50 to 4507.52 of the Revised Code shall be permitted to submit certified copies of the records of that issuance in lieu of the testimony of the personnel of or contractors with the bureau of motor vehicles in the hearing or action.

Section 4301.62 | Opened container of beer or intoxicating liquor prohibited at certain premises.

• Effective: April 30, 2024
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 101 - 135th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Chauffeured limousine" means a vehicle registered under section 4503.24 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Street," "highway," and "motor vehicle" have the same meanings as in section 4511.01 of the Revised Code.

(B) No person shall have in the person's possession an opened container of beer or intoxicating liquor in any of the following circumstances:

(1) Except as provided in division (C)(1)(e) of this section, in an agency store;

(2) Except as provided in division (C) or (J) of this section, on the premises of the holder of any permit issued by the division of liquor control;

(3) In any other public place;

(4) Except as provided in division (D) or (E) of this section, while operating or being a passenger in or on a motor vehicle on any street, highway, or other public or private property open to the public for purposes of vehicular travel or parking;

(5) Except as provided in division (D) or (E) of this section, while being in or on a stationary motor vehicle on any street, highway, or other public or private property open to the public for purposes of vehicular travel or parking.

(C)(1) A person may have in the person's possession an opened container of any of the following:

(a) Beer or intoxicating liquor that has been lawfully purchased for consumption on the premises where bought from the holder of an A-1-A, A-2, A-2f, A-3a, D-1, D-2, D-3, D-3a, D-4, D-4a, D-5, D-5a, D-5b, D-5c, D-5d, D-5e, D-5f, D-5g, D-5h, D-5i, D-5j, D-5k, D-5l, D-5m, D-5n, D-5o, D-7, D-8, D-9, E, F, F-2, F-5, F-7, F-8, or F-9 permit;

(b) Beer, wine, or mixed beverages served for consumption on the premises by the holder of an F-3 permit, wine served as a tasting sample by an A-2, A-2f, S-1, or S-2 permit holder for consumption on the premises of a farmers market for which an F-10 permit has been issued, or wine served for consumption on the premises by the holder of an F-4 or F-6 permit;

(c) Beer or intoxicating liquor consumed on the premises of a convention facility as provided in section 4303.201 of the Revised Code;

(d) Beer or intoxicating liquor to be consumed during tastings and samplings approved by rule of the liquor control commission;

(e) Spirituous liquor to be consumed for purposes of a tasting sample, as defined in section 4301.171 of the Revised Code;

(f) Beer or intoxicating liquor to be consumed in an outdoor area described in division (B)(1) of section 4303.188 of the Revised Code.

(2) A person may have in the person's possession on an F liquor permit premises an opened container of beer or intoxicating liquor that was not purchased from the holder of the F permit if the premises for which the F permit is issued is a music festival and the holder of the F permit grants permission for that possession on the premises during the period for which the F permit is issued. As used in this division, "music festival" means a series of outdoor live musical performances, extending for a period of at least three consecutive days and located on an area of land of at least forty acres.

(3)(a) A person may have in the person's possession on a D-2 liquor permit premises an opened or unopened container of wine that was not purchased from the holder of the D-2 permit if the premises for which the D-2 permit is issued is an outdoor performing arts center, the person is attending an orchestral performance, and the holder of the D-2 permit grants permission for the possession and consumption of wine in certain predesignated areas of the premises during the period for which the D-2 permit is issued.

(b) As used in division (C)(3)(a) of this section:

(i) "Orchestral performance" means a concert comprised of a group of not fewer than forty musicians playing various musical instruments.

(ii) "Outdoor performing arts center" means an outdoor performing arts center that is located on not less than one hundred fifty acres of land and that is open for performances from the first day of April to the last day of October of each year.

(4) A person may have in the person's possession an opened or unopened container of beer or intoxicating liquor at an outdoor location at which the person is attending an orchestral performance as defined in division (C)(3)(b)(i) of this section if the person with supervision and control over the performance grants permission for the possession and consumption of beer or intoxicating liquor in certain predesignated areas of that outdoor location.

(5) A person may have in the person's possession on an F-9 liquor permit premises an opened or unopened container of beer or intoxicating liquor that was not purchased from the holder of the F-9 permit if the F-9 permit holder grants permission for the possession and consumption of beer or intoxicating liquor in certain predesignated areas of the premises during the period for which the F-9 permit is issued.

(6)(a) A person may have in the person's possession on the property of an outdoor motorsports facility an opened or unopened container of beer or intoxicating liquor that was not purchased from the owner of the facility if both of the following apply:

(i) The person is attending a racing event at the facility; and

(ii) The owner of the facility grants permission for the possession and consumption of beer or intoxicating liquor on the property of the facility.

(b) As used in division (C)(6)(a) of this section:

(i) "Racing event" means a motor vehicle racing event sanctioned by one or more motor racing sanctioning organizations.

(ii) "Outdoor motorsports facility" means an outdoor racetrack to which all of the following apply:

(I) It is two and four-tenths miles or more in length.

(II) It is located on two hundred acres or more of land.

(III) The primary business of the owner of the facility is the hosting and promoting of racing events.

(IV) The holder of a D-1, D-2, or D-3 permit is located on the property of the facility.

(7)(a) A person may have in the person's possession an opened container of beer or intoxicating liquor at an outdoor location within an outdoor refreshment area created under section 4301.82 of the Revised Code if the opened container of beer or intoxicating liquor was purchased from an A-1, A-1-A, A-1c, A-2, A-2f, D class, or F class permit holder to which both of the following apply:

(i) The permit holder's premises is located within the outdoor refreshment area.

(ii) The permit held by the permit holder has an outdoor refreshment area designation.

(b) Division (C)(7) of this section does not authorize a person to do either of the following:

(i) Enter the premises of an establishment within an outdoor refreshment area while possessing an opened container of beer or intoxicating liquor acquired elsewhere;

(ii) Possess an opened container of beer or intoxicating liquor while being in or on a motor vehicle within an outdoor refreshment area, unless the possession is otherwise authorized under division (D) or (E) of this section.

(c) As used in division (C)(7) of this section, "D class permit holder" does not include a D-6 or D-8 permit holder.

(8)(a) A person may have in the person's possession on the property of a market, within a defined F-8 permit premises, an opened container of beer or intoxicating liquor that was purchased from a D permit premises that is located immediately adjacent to the market if both of the following apply:

(i) The market grants permission for the possession and consumption of beer and intoxicating liquor within the defined F-8 permit premises;

(ii) The market is hosting an event pursuant to an F-8 permit and the market has notified the division of liquor control about the event in accordance with division (A)(3) of section 4303.208 of the Revised Code.

(b) As used in division (C)(8) of this section, "market" means a market, for which an F-8 permit is held, that has been in operation since 1860.

(D) This section does not apply to a person who pays all or a portion of the fee imposed for the use of a chauffeured limousine pursuant to a prearranged contract, or the guest of the person, when all of the following apply:

(1) The person or guest is a passenger in the limousine.

(2) The person or guest is located in the limousine, but is not occupying a seat in the front compartment of the limousine where the operator of the limousine is located.

(3) The limousine is located on any street, highway, or other public or private property open to the public for purposes of vehicular travel or parking.

(E) An opened bottle of wine that was purchased from the holder of a permit that authorizes the sale of wine for consumption on the premises where sold is not an opened container for the purposes of this section if both of the following apply:

(1) The opened bottle of wine is securely resealed by the permit holder or an employee of the permit holder before the bottle is removed from the premises. The bottle shall be secured in such a manner that it is visibly apparent if the bottle has been subsequently opened or tampered with.

(2) The opened bottle of wine that is resealed in accordance with division (E)(1) of this section is stored in the trunk of a motor vehicle or, if the motor vehicle does not have a trunk, behind the last upright seat or in an area not normally occupied by the driver or passengers and not easily accessible by the driver.

(F)(1) Except if an ordinance or resolution is enacted or adopted under division (F)(2) of this section, this section does not apply to a person who, pursuant to a prearranged contract, is a passenger riding on a commercial quadricycle when all of the following apply:

(a) The person is not occupying a seat in the front of the commercial quadricycle where the operator is steering or braking.

(b) The commercial quadricycle is being operated on a street, highway, or other public or private property open to the public for purposes of vehicular travel or parking.

(c) The person has in their possession on the commercial quadricycle an opened container of beer or wine.

(d) The person has in their possession on the commercial quadricycle not more than either thirty-six ounces of beer or eighteen ounces of wine.

(2) The legislative authority of a municipal corporation or township may enact an ordinance or adopt a resolution, as applicable, that prohibits a passenger riding on a commercial quadricycle from possessing an opened container of beer or wine.

(3) As used in this section, "commercial quadricycle" means a vehicle that has fully-operative pedals for propulsion entirely by human power and that meets all of the following requirements:

(a) It has four wheels and is operated in a manner similar to a bicycle.

(b) It has at least five seats for passengers.

(c) It is designed to be powered by the pedaling of the operator and the passengers.

(d) It is used for commercial purposes.

(e) It is operated by the vehicle owner or an employee of the owner.

(G) This section does not apply to a person that has in the person's possession an opened container of beer or intoxicating liquor on the premises of a market if the beer or intoxicating liquor has been purchased from a D liquor permit holder that is located in the market.

As used in division (G) of this section, "market" means an establishment that:

(1) Leases space in the market to individual vendors, not less than fifty per cent of which are retail food establishments or food service operations licensed under Chapter 3717. of the Revised Code;

(2) Has an indoor sales floor area of not less than twenty-two thousand square feet;

(3) Hosts a farmer's market on each Saturday from April through December.

(H)(1) As used in this section, "alcoholic beverage" has the same meaning as in section 4303.185 of the Revised Code.

(2) An alcoholic beverage in a closed container being transported under section 4303.185 of the Revised Code to its final destination is not an opened container for the purposes of this section if the closed container is securely sealed in such a manner that it is visibly apparent if the closed container has been subsequently opened or tampered with after sealing.

(I) This section does not apply to a person who has in the person's possession an opened container of beer or intoxicating liquor in a public-use airport, as described in division (D)(2)(a)(iii) of section 4303.181 of the Revised Code, when both of the following apply:

(1) Consumption of the opened container of beer or intoxicating liquor occurs in the area of the airport terminal that is restricted to persons taking flights to and from the airport; and

(2) The consumption is authorized under division (D)(2)(a) of section 4303.181 of the Revised Code.

(J) This section does not apply to a person that has in the person's possession an opened container of homemade beer or wine that is served in accordance with division (E) of section 4301.201 of the Revised Code.

Last updated February 13, 2024 at 9:27 AM

Section 4301.63 | Purchase of beer or intoxicating liquor by persons under twenty-one prohibited.

• Effective: July 31, 1987
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 419 - 117th General Assembly

Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, no person under the age of twenty-one years shall purchase beer or intoxicating liquor.

Section 4301.631 | Purchase or consumption low-alcohol beverage by persons under eighteen prohibited.

• Effective: July 1, 1997
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 162 - 121st General Assembly

(A) As used in this section, "underage person" means a person under eighteen years of age.

(B) No underage person shall purchase any low-alcohol beverage.

(C) No underage person shall order, pay for, share the cost of, or attempt to purchase any low-alcohol beverage.

(D) No person shall knowingly furnish any false information as to the name, age, or other identification of any underage person for the purpose of obtaining or with the intent to obtain any low-alcohol beverage for an underage person, by purchase or as a gift.

(E) No underage person shall knowingly show or give false information concerning the person's name, age, or other identification for the purpose of purchasing or otherwise obtaining any low-alcohol beverage in any place in this state.

(F) No person shall sell or furnish any low-alcohol beverage to, or buy any low-alcohol beverage for, an underage person, unless given by a physician in the regular line of his practice or given for established religious purposes, or unless the underage person is accompanied by a parent, spouse who is not an underage person, or legal guardian.

No permit issued by the division of liquor control shall be suspended, revoked, or canceled because of a violation of this division or division (G) of this section.

(G) No person who is the owner or occupant of any public or private place shall knowingly allow any underage person to remain in or on the place while possessing or consuming any low-alcohol beverage, unless the low-alcohol beverage is given to the person possessing or consuming it by that person's parent, spouse who is not an underage person, or legal guardian, and the parent, spouse who is not an underage person, or legal guardian is present when the person possesses or consumes the low-alcohol beverage.

An owner of a public or private place is not liable for acts or omissions in violation of this division that are committed by a lessee of that place, unless the owner authorizes or acquiesces in the lessee's acts or omissions.

(H) No underage person shall knowingly possess or consume any low-alcohol beverage in any public or private place, unless accompanied by a parent, spouse who is not an underage person, or legal guardian, or unless the low-alcohol beverage is given by a physician in the regular line of the physician's practice or given for established religious purposes.

(I) No parent, spouse who is not an underage person, or legal guardian of an underage person shall knowingly permit the underage person to violate this section.

Section 4301.633 | Furnishing false information to obtain beer or intoxicating liquor for person under twenty-one.

• Effective: July 31, 1987
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 419 - 117th General Assembly

Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, no person shall knowingly furnish any false information as to the name, age, or other identification of any person under twenty-one years of age for the purpose of obtaining or with the intent to obtain, beer or intoxicating liquor for a person under twenty-one years of age, by purchase, or as a gift.

Section 4301.634 | Furnishing false information to obtain beer or intoxicating liquor by person under twenty-one.

• Effective: July 1, 1997
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 162 - 121st General Assembly

Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, no person under the age of twenty-one years shall knowingly show or give false information concerning the person's name, age, or other identification for the purpose of purchasing or otherwise obtaining beer or intoxicating liquor in any place in this state where beer or intoxicating liquor is sold under a permit issued by the division of liquor control or sold by the division.

Section 4301.635 | Compliance check.

• Effective: April 7, 2004
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 23 - 125th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Compliance check" means an attempt on behalf of a law enforcement agency or the division of liquor control to purchase any beer, wine, mixed beverages, or intoxicating liquor in the enforcement of any section of this chapter or any rule of the liquor control commission in which the age of the purchaser is an element of the offense.

(2) "Confidential informant" means a person who is under twenty-one years of age and who is engaged in conducting compliance checks.

(3) "Law enforcement agency" means an organization or unit made up of law enforcement officers authorized to enforce this chapter and also includes the investigative unit of the department of public safety described in section 5502.13 of the Revised Code.

(B) Within a reasonable period of time after the conduct of a compliance check, the law enforcement agency that conducted the compliance check, or the division of liquor control if the division conducted the compliance check, shall send written notification of it to the permit holder that was its subject. If the confidential informant who participated in the compliance check was able to purchase beer, wine, mixed beverages, or intoxicating liquor, the citation issued for the violation constitutes that notification. If the confidential informant who participated in the compliance check was unable to purchase beer, wine, mixed beverages, or intoxicating liquor, the notification shall indicate the date and time of the compliance check, the law enforcement agency that conducted the compliance check or, when applicable, that the division of liquor control conducted the compliance check, and the permit holder or a general description of the employee of the permit holder who refused to make the sale.

Section 4301.636 | Manufacture, transfer, sell, or distribute false identification card or driver's license.

• Effective: July 25, 1990
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 131 - 118th General Assembly

(A)(1) No person shall manufacture, transfer, or distribute in any manner any identification card issued for the purpose of establishing a person's age that displays the great seal of the state of Ohio, the word "Ohio," "state," or "official," or any other designation that represents the card as the official identification card of Ohio, except for those cards issued pursuant to section 4507.50 of the Revised Code.

(2) No person shall manufacture, sell, or distribute in any manner for any compensation any identification card issued for the purpose of establishing a person's age that displays the great seal of the state of Ohio, the word "Ohio," "state," or "official," or any other designation that represents the card as the official identification card of Ohio, except for those cards issued pursuant to section 4507.50 of the Revised Code.

(B)(1) No person, other than the registrar of motor vehicles or a deputy registrar, shall manufacture, transfer, or distribute in any manner any card that displays the great seal of the state of Ohio, the word "Ohio," "state," "official," "chauffeur," "chauffeur's," "commercial driver," "commercial driver's," "driver," "driver's," "operator," or "operator's," or any other designation that represents the card as the official driver's license of the state.

(2) No person, other than the registrar of motor vehicles or a deputy registrar, shall manufacture, sell, or distribute in any manner for any compensation any card that displays the great seal of the state of Ohio, the word "Ohio," "state," "official," "chauffeur," "chauffeur's," "commercial driver," "commercial driver's," "driver," "driver's," or any other designation that represents the card as the official driver's license of the state.

Section 4301.637 | Warning cards as to underage persons and person carrying firearms.

• Effective: July 1, 1997
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 2, Senate Bill 162 - 121st General Assembly

(A) Except as otherwise provided in section 4301.691 of the Revised Code, every place in this state where beer, intoxicating liquor, or any low-alcohol beverage is sold for beverage purposes shall display at all times, in a prominent place on the premises thereof, a printed card, which shall be furnished by the division of liquor control and which shall read substantially as follows:

"WARNING TO PERSONS UNDER AGE

If you are under the age of 21

Under the statutes of the state of Ohio, if you order, pay for, share the cost of, or attempt to purchase, or possess or consume beer or intoxicating liquor in any public place, or furnish false information as to name, age, or other identification, you are subject to a fine of up to one thousand dollars, or imprisonment up to six months, or both.

If you are under the age of 18

Under the statutes of the state of Ohio, if you order, pay for, share the cost of, or attempt to purchase, or possess or consume, any type of beer or wine that contains either no alcohol or less than one-half of one per cent of alcohol by volume in any public place, or furnish false information as to name, age, or other identification, you are subject to a fine of up to two hundred fifty dollars or to imprisonment up to thirty days, or both."

No person shall be subject to any criminal prosecution or any proceedings before the division or the liquor control commission for failing to display this card. No permit issued by the division shall be suspended, revoked, or canceled because of the failure of the permit holder to display this card.

(B) Every place in this state for which a D permit has been issued under Chapter 4303. of the Revised Code shall be issued a printed card by the division that shall read substantially as follows:

"WARNING

If you are carrying a firearm

Under the statutes of Ohio, if you possess a firearm in any room in which liquor is being dispensed in premises for which a D permit has been issued under Chapter 4303. of the Revised Code, you may be guilty of a felony and may be subjected to a prison term of up to one year."

No person shall be subject to any criminal prosecution or any proceedings before the division or the liquor control commission for failing to display this card. No permit issued by the division shall be suspended, revoked, or canceled because of the failure of the permit holder to display this card.

Last updated March 15, 2022 at 5:17 PM

Section 4301.638 | Modification on other sections not intended.

• Effective: October 11, 2002
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 17 - 124th General Assembly

Sections 4301.633 to 4301.637 of the Revised Code shall not be deemed to modify or affect division (A) of section 4301.22 or section 4301.69 of the Revised Code.

Section 4301.639 | False identification accepted in good faith.

• Effective: September 29, 2015
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 64 - 131st General Assembly

(A) No permit holder, agent or employee of a permit holder, or any other person may be found guilty of a violation of any section of this chapter or any rule of the liquor control commission in which age is an element of the offense, if the liquor control commission or any court of record finds all of the following:

(1) That the person buying, at the time of so doing, exhibited to the permit holder, the agent or employee of the permit holder, or the other person a driver's or commercial driver's license, an identification card as defined in section 4301.61 of the Revised Code, a military identification card issued by the United States department of defense, or a United States or foreign passport, that displays a picture of the individual for whom the license, card, or passport was issued and shows that the person buying was then at least twenty-one years of age, if the person was buying beer as defined in section 4301.01 of the Revised Code or intoxicating liquor, or that the person was then at least eighteen years of age, if the person was buying any low-alcohol beverage;

(2) That the permit holder, the agent or employee of the permit holder, or the other person made a bona fide effort to ascertain the true age of the person buying by checking the identification presented, at the time of the purchase, to ascertain that the description on the identification compared with the appearance of the buyer and that the identification presented had not been altered in any way;

(3) That the permit holder, the agent or employee of the permit holder, or the other person had reason to believe that the person buying was of legal age.

(B) In any hearing before the liquor control commission and in any action or proceeding before a court of record in which a defense is raised under division (A) of this section, the registrar of motor vehicles or deputy registrar who issued an identification card under sections 4507.50 to 4507.52 of the Revised Code shall be permitted to submit certified copies of the records, in the registrar's or deputy's possession, of that issuance in lieu of the testimony of the personnel of or contractors with the bureau of motor vehicles at the hearing, action, or proceeding.

(C) The defense provided by division (A) of this section is in addition to the affirmative defense provided by section 4301.611 of the Revised Code.

Section 4301.64 | Prohibition against consumption of beer or intoxicating liquor in motor vehicle.

• Effective: July 14, 1995
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 39 - 121st General Assembly

No person shall consume any beer or intoxicating liquor in a motor vehicle. This section does not apply to pesons described in division (D) of section 4301.62 of the Revised Code.

Section 4301.65 | Sale, purchase, or use of alcohol vaporizing device prohibited.

• Effective: September 21, 2006
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 131 - 126th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section, "alcohol vaporizing device" means a machine or other device that mixes beer or intoxicating liquor with pure oxygen or any other gas to produce a vaporized product for the purpose of consumption by inhalation.

(B) No person shall sell or offer for sale an alcohol vaporizing device.

(C) No person shall purchase or use an alcohol vaporizing device.

Section 4301.66 | Obstructing inspection or search of premises prohibited.

• Effective: June 30, 1999
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 163 - 123rd General Assembly

No person shall hinder or obstruct any agent or employee of the division of liquor control, any enforcement agent of the department of public safety, or any officer of the law, from making inspection or search of any place, other than a bona fide private residence, where beer or intoxicating liquor is possessed, kept, sold, or given away.

Section 4301.67 | Illegal possession of spirituous or intoxicating liquor or beer prohibited.

• Effective: November 21, 1995
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 149, Senate Bill 162 - 121st General Assembly

No person shall have that person's possession of any spirituous liquor, in excess of one liter, in one or more containers, which was not purchased at wholesale or retail from the division of liquor control or otherwise lawfully acquired pursuant to Chapters 4301. and 4303. of the Revised Code, or any other intoxicating liquor or beer, in one or more containers, which was not lawfully acquired pursuant to Chapters 4301. and 4303. of the Revised Code.

Section 4301.68 | Sale of liquor in diluted, refilled, or partly refilled containers prohibited.

• Effective: October 1, 1953
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly

No person shall sell, offer for sale, or possess intoxicating liquor in any original container which has been diluted, refilled, or partly refilled.

Section 4301.69 | Underage persons offenses concerning.

• Effective: April 4, 2023
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 288 - 134th General Assembly

(A) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, no person shall sell beer or intoxicating liquor to an underage person, shall buy beer or intoxicating liquor for an underage person, or shall furnish it to an underage person, unless given by a physician in the regular line of the physician's practice or given for established religious purposes or unless the underage person is supervised by a parent, spouse who is not an underage person, or legal guardian.

In proceedings before the liquor control commission, no permit holder, or no employee or agent of a permit holder, charged with a violation of this division shall be charged, for the same offense, with a violation of division (A)(1) of section 4301.22 of the Revised Code.

(B) No person who is the owner or occupant of any public or private place shall knowingly allow any underage person to remain in or on the place while possessing or consuming beer or intoxicating liquor, unless the intoxicating liquor or beer is given to the person possessing or consuming it by that person's parent, spouse who is not an underage person, or legal guardian and the parent, spouse who is not an underage person, or legal guardian is present at the time of the person's possession or consumption of the beer or intoxicating liquor.

An owner of a public or private place is not liable for acts or omissions in violation of this division that are committed by a lessee of that place, unless the owner authorizes or acquiesces in the lessee's acts or omissions.

(C) No person shall engage or use accommodations at a hotel, inn, cabin, campground, or restaurant when the person knows or has reason to know either of the following:

(1) That beer or intoxicating liquor will be consumed by an underage person on the premises of the accommodations that the person engages or uses, unless the person engaging or using the accommodations is the spouse of the underage person and is not an underage person, or is the parent or legal guardian of all of the underage persons, who consume beer or intoxicating liquor on the premises and that person is on the premises at all times when beer or intoxicating liquor is being consumed by an underage person;

(2) That a drug of abuse will be consumed on the premises of the accommodations by any person, except a person who obtained the drug of abuse pursuant to a prescription issued by a licensed health professional authorized to prescribe drugs and has the drug of abuse in the original container in which it was dispensed to the person.

(D)(1) No person is required to permit the engagement of accommodations at any hotel, inn, cabin, or campground by an underage person or for an underage person, if the person engaging the accommodations knows or has reason to know that the underage person is intoxicated, or that the underage person possesses any beer or intoxicating liquor and is not supervised by a parent, spouse who is not an underage person, or legal guardian who is or will be present at all times when the beer or intoxicating liquor is being consumed by the underage person.

(2) No underage person shall knowingly engage or attempt to engage accommodations at any hotel, inn, cabin, or campground by presenting identification that falsely indicates that the underage person is twenty-one years of age or older for the purpose of violating this section.

(E)(1) No underage person shall knowingly order, pay for, share the cost of, attempt to purchase, possess, or consume any beer or intoxicating liquor in any public or private place. No underage person shall knowingly be under the influence of any beer or intoxicating liquor in any public place. The prohibitions set forth in division (E)(1) of this section against an underage person knowingly possessing, consuming, or being under the influence of any beer or intoxicating liquor shall not apply if the underage person is supervised by a parent, spouse who is not an underage person, or legal guardian, or the beer or intoxicating liquor is given by a physician in the regular line of the physician's practice or given for established religious purposes.

(2)(a) If a person is charged with violating division (E)(1) of this section in a complaint filed under section 2151.27 of the Revised Code, the court may order the child into a diversion program specified by the court and hold the complaint in abeyance pending successful completion of the diversion program. A child is ineligible to enter into a diversion program under division (E)(2)(a) of this section if the child previously has been diverted pursuant to division (E)(2)(a) of this section. If the child completes the diversion program to the satisfaction of the court, the court shall dismiss the complaint and order the child's record in the case sealed under sections 2151.356 to 2151.358 of the Revised Code. If the child fails to satisfactorily complete the diversion program, the court shall proceed with the complaint.

(b) If a person is charged in a criminal complaint with violating division (E)(1) of this section, section 2935.36 of the Revised Code shall apply to the offense, except that a person is ineligible for diversion under that section if the person previously has been diverted pursuant to division (E)(2)(a) or (b) of this section. If the person completes the diversion program to the satisfaction of the court, the court shall dismiss the complaint and order the record in the case sealed under section 2953.33 of the Revised Code. If the person fails to satisfactorily complete the diversion program, the court shall proceed with the complaint.

(F) No parent, spouse who is not an underage person, or legal guardian of a minor shall knowingly permit the minor to violate this section or section 4301.63, 4301.633, or 4301.634 of the Revised Code.

(G) The operator of any hotel, inn, cabin, or campground shall make the provisions of this section available in writing to any person engaging or using accommodations at the hotel, inn, cabin, or campground.

(H) As used in this section:

(1) "Drug of abuse" has the same meaning as in section 3719.011 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Hotel" has the same meaning as in section 3731.01 of the Revised Code.

(3) "Licensed health professional authorized to prescribe drugs" and "prescription" have the same meanings as in section 4729.01 of the Revised Code.

(4) "Minor" means a person under the age of eighteen years.

(5) "Underage person" means a person under the age of twenty-one years.

Last updated March 8, 2023 at 12:12 PM

Section 4301.691 | Alternate prohibitions if federal mandate relating to a national uniform drinking age of twenty-one is no longer in force.

• Effective: July 1, 1997
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 162 - 121st General Assembly

If the United States congress repeals the mandate established by the "Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982" relating to a national uniform drinking age of twenty-one or if a court of competent jurisdiction declares the mandate to be unconstitutional or otherwise invalid, then upon the certification by the secretary of state that this mandate has been repealed or invalidated, the following shall apply:

(A) Beer or intoxicating liquor may be served to a person not seated at a table unless there is reason to believe that the beer will be consumed by a person under nineteen years of age or that the intoxicating liquor will be consumed by a person under twenty-one years of age.

(B) No person under the age of twenty-one years shall purchase intoxicating liquor, nor shall a person under the age of nineteen years purchase beer.

(C) No person under the age of nineteen years shall order, pay for, share the cost of, or attempt to purchase any beer or intoxicating liquor, or consume any beer or intoxicating liquor, either from a sealed or unsealed container or by the glass or by the drink, in any public or private place, except as provided in section 4301.69 of the Revised Code.

(D) No person under the age of twenty-one years shall order, pay for, share the cost of, or attempt to purchase any intoxicating liquor, or consume any intoxicating liquor, either from a sealed or unsealed container or by the glass or by the drink, except as provided in section 4301.69 of the Revised Code.

(E) No person shall knowingly furnish any false information as to the name, age, or other identification of any person under twenty-one years of age for the purpose of obtaining or with the intent to obtain, beer or intoxicating liquor for a person under nineteen years of age, or intoxicating liquor for a person under twenty-one years of age, by purchase, or as a gift.

(F) No person under the age of nineteen years shall knowingly show or give false information concerning the person's name, age, or other identification for the purpose of purchasing or otherwise obtaining beer or intoxicating liquor in any place in this state where beer or intoxicating liquor is sold under a permit issued by the division of liquor control or sold by the division.

(G) No person under the age of twenty-one years shall knowingly show or give false information concerning the person's name, age, or other identification for the purpose of purchasing or otherwise obtaining intoxicating liquor in any place in this state where intoxicating liquor is sold under a permit issued by the division or sold by the division.

(H) No person shall sell intoxicating liquor to a person under the age of twenty-one years or sell beer to a person under the age of nineteen, or buy intoxicating liquor for, or furnish it to, a person under the age of twenty-one years, or buy beer for or furnish it to a person under the age of nineteen, unless given by a physician in the regular line of his practice, or by a parent or legal guardian.

In proceedings before the liquor control commission, no permit holder or the permit holder's employee or agent charged with a violation of this section shall, for the same offense, be charged with a violation of division (A)(1) of section 4301.22 of the Revised Code.

(I) No person who is the owner or occupant of any public or private place shall knowingly allow any person under the age of twenty-one to remain in or on the place while possessing or consuming intoxicating liquor, or knowingly allow any person under the age of nineteen to remain in or on the place while possessing or consuming beer, unless the intoxicating liquor or beer is given to the person possessing or consuming it by that person's parent or legal guardian and the parent or legal guardian is present at the time of the person's possession or consumption of the intoxicating liquor or beer.

(J) The division shall revise the warning sign required by section 4301.637 of the Revised Code so that the sign conforms to this section.

Section 4301.70 | Violations not otherwise specified.

• Effective: October 1, 1982
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 357 - 114th General Assembly

Any person who is subject to Chapter 4301., 4303., or 4307. of the Revised Code, in the transportation, possession, or sale of wine or mixed beverage subject to the taxes imposed by sections 4301.43 and 4301.432 of the Revised Code, and who violates such chapters or any lawful rule promulgated by the tax commissioner under such chapters, for the violation of which no penalty is otherwise provided, shall be fined as provided in division (A) of section 4301.99 of the Revised Code.

Section 4301.71 | Sale of powdered or crystalline alcohol.

• Effective: September 24, 2015
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 7 - 131st General Assembly

(A) No person shall sell or offer for sale powdered or crystalline alcohol for human consumption.

(B) Division (A) of this section does not apply to any of the following:

(1) Any substance regulated by the food and drug administration in the United States department of health and human services that is not either of the following:

(a) Beer or intoxicating liquor; or

(b) A compound that could be converted into beer or intoxicating liquor.

(2) A medication that requires a prescription;

(3) An over-the-counter medication.

(C) As used in this section:

(1) "Powdered or crystalline alcohol" means a product that is manufactured into a powdered or crystalline form and that contains any amount of alcohol.

(2) "Prescription" has the same meaning as in section 4729.01 of the Revised Code.

(3) "Over-the-counter medication" means medication that may be legally sold and purchased without a prescription.

Section 4301.72 | Liquor taxes are lien on property of permit holder.

• Effective: October 1, 1982
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 357 - 114th General Assembly

The taxes imposed by sections 4301.42, 4301.43, 4301.432, and 4305.01 of the Revised Code and the permit fees imposed by Chapter 4303. of the Revised Code shall be a lien upon all property of the taxpayer or permit holder. If the surety on any bond required under Chapters 4301. and 4303. of the Revised Code makes payment of any sums due under any such bond, the surety shall be subrogated to any lien right on all property of the taxpayer or permit holder.

Section 4301.74 | Violation of nuisance injunction.

• Effective: March 30, 1999
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 402 - 122nd General Assembly

Any person subject to an injunction, temporary or permanent, granted pursuant to division (D) or (E) of section 3767.05 of the Revised Code involving a condition described in division (C)(3) or (4) of section 3767.01 of the Revised Code shall obey such injunction. If such person violates such injunction, the court or in vacation a judge thereof, may summarily try and punish the violator. The proceedings for punishment for contempt shall be commenced by filing with the clerk of the court from which such injunction issued information under oath setting out the alleged facts constituting the violation, whereupon the court shall forthwith cause a warrant to issue under which the defendant shall be arrested. The trial may be had upon affidavits, or either party may demand the production and oral examination of the witnesses.

Section 4301.77 | Providing social security numbers.

• Effective: July 23, 2004
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 306 - 125th General Assembly

The division of liquor control may provide the social security number of an individual that the division possesses to the department of public safety, the department of taxation, the office of the attorney general, or any other state or local law enforcement agency if the department, office, or other state or local law enfocement agency requests the social security number from the division to conduct an investigation, implement an enforcement action, or collect taxes.

Section 4301.80 | Community entertainment district application.

• Effective: September 13, 2016
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 182 - 131st General Assembly

(A) As used in this section, "community entertainment district" means a bounded area that includes or will include a combination of entertainment, retail, educational, sporting, social, cultural, or arts establishments within close proximity to some or all of the following types of establishments within the district, or other types of establishments similar to these:

(1) Hotels;

(2) Restaurants;

(3) Retail sales establishments;

(4) Enclosed shopping centers;

(5) Museums;

(6) Performing arts theaters;

(7) Motion picture theaters;

(8) Night clubs;

(9) Convention facilities;

(10) Sports facilities;

(11) Entertainment facilities or complexes;

(12) Any combination of the establishments described in division (A)(1) to (11) of this section that provide similar services to the community.

(B) Any owner of property located in a municipal corporation seeking to have that property, or that property and other surrounding property, designated as a community entertainment district shall file an application seeking this designation with the mayor of the municipal corporation in which that property is located. Any owner of property located in the unincorporated area of a township seeking to have that property, or that property and other surrounding property, designated as a community entertainment district shall file an application seeking this designation with the board of township trustees of the township in whose unincorporated area that property is located. An application to designate an area as a community entertainment district shall contain all of the following:

(1) The applicant's name and address;

(2) A map or survey of the proposed community entertainment district in sufficient detail to identify the boundaries of the district and the property owned by the applicant;

(3) A general statement of the nature and types of establishments described in division (A) of this section that are or will be located within the proposed community improvement district and any other establishments located in the proposed community entertainment district that are not described in division (A) of this section;

(4) If some or all of the establishments within the proposed community entertainment district have not yet been developed, the proposed time frame for completing the development of these establishments;

(5) Evidence that the uses of land within the proposed community entertainment district are in accord with the municipal corporation's or township's master zoning plan or map;

(6) A certificate from a surveyor or engineer licensed under Chapter 4733. of the Revised Code indicating that the area encompassed by the proposed community entertainment district contains no less than twenty contiguous acres;

(7) A handling and processing fee to accompany the application, payable to the applicable municipal corporation or township, in an amount determined by that municipal corporation or township.

(C) An application described in division (B) of this section relating to an area located in a municipal corporation shall be addressed and submitted to the mayor of the municipal corporation in which the area described in the application is located. The mayor, within thirty days after receiving the application, shall submit the application with the mayor's recommendation to the legislative authority of the municipal corporation. An application described in division (B) of this section relating to an area located in the unincorporated area of a township shall be addressed and submitted to the board of township trustees of the township in whose unincorporated area the area described in the application is located. The application is a public record for purposes of section 149.43 of the Revised Code upon its receipt by the mayor or board of township trustees.

Within thirty days after it receives the application and the mayor's recommendations relating to the application, the legislative authority of the municipal corporation, by notice published once a week for two consecutive weeks in one newspaper of general circulation in the municipal corporation or as provided in section 7.16 of the Revised Code, shall notify the public that the application is on file in the office of the clerk of the municipal corporation and is available for inspection by the public during regular business hours. Within thirty days after it receives the application, the board of township trustees, by notice published once a week for two consecutive weeks in one newspaper of general circulation in the township or as provided in section 7.16 of the Revised Code, shall notify the public that the application is on file in the office of the township fiscal officer and is available for inspection by the public during regular business hours. The notice shall also indicate the date and time of any public hearing by the legislative authority or board of township trustees on the application.

Within seventy-five days after the date the application is filed with the mayor of a municipal corporation, the legislative authority of the municipal corporation by ordinance or resolution shall approve or disapprove the application based on whether the proposed community entertainment district does or will substantially contribute to entertainment, retail, educational, sporting, social, cultural, or arts opportunities for the community. The community considered shall at a minimum include the municipal corporation in which the community is located. Any approval of an application shall be by an affirmative majority vote of the legislative authority.

Within seventy-five days after the date the application is filed with a board of township trustees, the board by resolution shall approve or disapprove the application based on whether the proposed community entertainment district does or will substantially contribute to entertainment, retail, educational, sporting, social, cultural, or arts opportunities for the community. The community considered shall at a minimum include the township in which the community is located. Any approval of an application shall be by an affirmative majority vote of the board of township trustees.

If the legislative authority or board of township trustees disapproves the application, the applicant may make changes in the application to secure its approval by the legislative authority or board of township trustees. Any area approved by the legislative authority or board of township trustees constitutes a community entertainment district, and a local option election may be conducted in the district, as a type of community facility, under section 4301.356 of the Revised Code.

(D) Subject to the limitations prescribed by this division and alternative to the procedure described in divisions (B) and (C) of this section, a municipal corporation or township may designate property as a community entertainment district pursuant to a joint economic development district contract entered into under section 715.70, 715.71, or 715.72 of the Revised Code. A municipal corporation or township may not designate property as a community entertainment district under this division unless all of the following apply:

(1) The property is located in the joint economic development district.

(2) The owner of the property consents in writing to designation of the property as a community entertainment district.

(3) Designation of the property as a community entertainment district will substantially contribute to entertainment, retail, educational, sporting, social, cultural, or arts opportunities for the community. The proposed community to be considered for this purpose shall at a minimum include the township or municipal corporation in which the community is located and the entire area included in the joint economic development district.

For the purposes of this section, a community entertainment district designated under division (D) of this section is located in the municipal corporation or township that encompasses more of the district's territory than any other municipal corporation or township.

(E) All or part of an area designated as a community entertainment district under divisions (B) and (C) of this section may lose this designation as provided in this division. The legislative authority of a municipal corporation in which a community entertainment district is located, or the board of township trustees of the township in whose unincorporated area a community entertainment district is located, after giving notice of its proposed action by publication once a week for two consecutive weeks in one newspaper of general circulation in the municipal corporation or township or as provided in section 7.16 of the Revised Code, may determine by ordinance or resolution in the case of the legislative authority of a municipal corporation, or by resolution in the case of a board of township trustees of a township, that all or part of the area fails to meet the standards described in this section for designation of an area as a community entertainment district. If the legislative authority or board so determines, the area designated in the ordinance or resolution no longer constitutes a community entertainment district.

(F) All or part of an area designated as a community entertainment district under division (D) of this section may lose this designation as provided in this division. The parties to the joint economic development district contract designating the community entertainment district may give notice of a proposed action to revoke the community entertainment district designation by publication once a week for two consecutive weeks in one newspaper of general circulation in the area included in the joint economic development district as provided in section 7.16 of the Revised Code. After the completion of such notice, the legislative authority or board of township trustees of each party to the joint economic development district contract may determine, by ordinance or resolution, that all or part of the area designated as a community entertainment district fails to meet the standards described in this section. If the legislative authority or board of township trustees of each party to the joint economic development district contract approves such an ordinance or resolution, the area designated in the ordinances or resolutions no longer constitutes a community entertainment district.

Section 4301.81 | Application for revitalization district designation.

• Effective: September 29, 2011
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 153 - 129th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Revitalization district" means a bounded area that includes or will include a combination of entertainment, retail, educational, sporting, social, cultural, or arts establishments within close proximity to some or all of the following types of establishments within the district, or other types of establishments similar to these:

(a) Hotels;

(b) Restaurants;

(c) Retail sales establishments;

(d) Enclosed shopping centers;

(e) Museums;

(f) Performing arts theaters;

(g) Motion picture theaters;

(h) Night clubs;

(i) Convention facilities;

(j) Sports facilities;

(k) Entertainment facilities or complexes;

(l) Any combination of the establishments described in divisions (A)(1)(a) to (k) of this section that provide similar services to the community.

(2) "Municipal corporation" means a municipal corporation with a population of less than one hundred thousand.

(3) "Township" means a township with a population in its unincorporated area of less than one hundred thousand.

(B) Any owner of property located in a municipal corporation seeking to have that property, or that property and other surrounding property, designated as a revitalization district shall file an application seeking this designation with the mayor of the municipal corporation in which that property is located. Any owner of property located in the unincorporated area of a township seeking to have that property, or that property and other surrounding property, designated as a revitalization district shall file an application seeking this designation with the board of township trustees of the township in whose unincorporated area that property is located. An application to designate an area as a revitalization district shall contain all of the following:

(1) The applicant's name and address;

(2) A map or survey of the proposed revitalization district in sufficient detail to identify the boundaries of the district and the property owned by the applicant;

(3) A general statement of the nature and types of establishments described in division (A) of this section that are or will be located within the proposed revitalization district and any other establishments located in the proposed revitalization district that are not described in division (A) of this section;

(4) If some or all of the establishments within the proposed revitalization district have not yet been developed, the proposed time frame for completing the development of these establishments;

(5) Evidence that the uses of land within the proposed revitalization district are in accord with the municipal corporation's or township's master zoning plan or map; and

(6) A handling and processing fee to accompany the application, payable to the applicable municipal corporation or township, in an amount determined by that municipal corporation or township.

(C) An application relating to an area located in a municipal corporation shall be addressed and submitted to the mayor of the municipal corporation in which the area described in the application is located. The mayor, within thirty days after receiving the application, shall submit the application with the mayor's recommendation to the legislative authority of the municipal corporation. An application relating to an area located in the unincorporated area of a township shall be addressed and submitted to the board of township trustees of the township in whose unincorporated area the area described in the application is located. The application is a public record for purposes of section 149.43 of the Revised Code upon its receipt by the mayor or board of township trustees.

Within thirty days after it receives the application and the mayor's recommendations relating to the application, the legislative authority of the municipal corporation, by notice published once a week for two consecutive weeks in one newspaper of general circulation in the municipal corporation or as provided in section 7.16 of the Revised Code, shall notify the public that the application is on file in the office of the clerk of the municipal corporation and is available for inspection by the public during regular business hours. Within thirty days after it receives the application, the board of township trustees, by notice published once a week for two consecutive weeks in one newspaper of general circulation in the township or as provided in section 7.16 of the Revised Code, shall notify the public that the application is on file in the office of the township fiscal officer and is available for inspection by the public during regular business hours. The notice shall also indicate the date and time of any public hearing by the municipal legislative authority or board of township trustees on the application.

Within seventy-five days after the date the application is filed with the mayor of a municipal corporation, the legislative authority of the municipal corporation by ordinance or resolution shall approve or disapprove the application based on whether the proposed revitalization district does or will substantially contribute to entertainment, retail, educational, sporting, social, cultural, or arts opportunities for the community. The community considered shall at a minimum include the municipal corporation in which the community is located. Any approval of an application shall be by an affirmative majority vote of the legislative authority. Not more than one revitalization district shall be designated within the municipal corporation.

Within seventy-five days after the date the application is filed with a board of township trustees, the board by resolution shall approve or disapprove the application based on whether the proposed revitalization district does or will substantially contribute to entertainment, retail, educational, sporting, social, cultural, or arts opportunities for the community. The community considered shall at a minimum include the township in which the community is located. Any approval of an application shall be by an affirmative majority vote of the board of township trustees. Not more than one revitalization district shall be designated within the unincorporated area of the township.

If the municipal legislative authority or board of township trustees disapproves the application, the applicant may make changes in the application to secure its approval by the legislative authority or board of township trustees. Any area approved by the legislative authority or board of township trustees constitutes a revitalization district, and a local option election may be conducted in the district, as a type of community facility, under section 4301.356 of the Revised Code.

(D) All or part of an area designated as a revitalization district may lose this designation as provided in this division. The legislative authority of a municipal corporation in which a revitalization district is located, or the board of township trustees of the township in whose unincorporated area a revitalization district is located, after giving notice of its proposed action by publication once a week for two consecutive weeks in one newspaper of general circulation in the municipal corporation or township or as provided in section 7.16 of the Revised Code, may determine by ordinance or resolution in the case of the legislative authority of a municipal corporation, or by resolution in the case of a board of township trustees of a township, that all or part of the area fails to meet the standards described in this section for designation of an area as a revitalization district. If the legislative authority or board so determines, the area designated in the ordinance or resolution no longer constitutes a revitalization district.

Section 4301.82 | Designated outdoor refreshment areas.

• Effective: March 23, 2022
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 102 - 134th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Qualified permit holder" means the holder of an A-1, A-1-A, A-1c, A-2, A-2f, or D class permit issued under Chapter 4303. of the Revised Code.

(2) "D class permit" does not include a D-6 or D-8 permit.

(B) The executive officer of a municipal corporation or the fiscal officer of a township may file an application with the legislative authority of the municipal corporation or township to have property within the municipal corporation or township designated as an outdoor refreshment area or to expand an existing outdoor refreshment area to include additional property within the municipal corporation or township. The executive officer or fiscal officer shall ensure that the application contains all of the following:

(1) A map or survey of the proposed outdoor refreshment area in sufficient detail to identify the boundaries of the area, which shall not exceed either of the following, as applicable:

(a) Six hundred forty contiguous acres if the municipal corporation or township has a population of more than fifty thousand as specified in division (D) of this section;

(b) Three hundred twenty contiguous acres if the municipal corporation or township has a population of fifty thousand or less as specified in division (D) of this section.

(2) A general statement of the nature and types of establishments that will be located within the proposed outdoor refreshment area;

(3) A statement that the proposed outdoor refreshment area complies with division (D) of this section;

(4) Evidence that the uses of land within the proposed outdoor refreshment area are in accord with the master zoning plan or map of the municipal corporation or township;

(5) Proposed requirements for the purpose of ensuring public health and safety within the proposed outdoor refreshment area.

(C) Within forty-five days after the date the application is filed with the legislative authority of a municipal corporation or township, the legislative authority shall publish public notice of the application in one newspaper of general circulation in the municipal corporation or township or as provided in section 7.16 of the Revised Code. The legislative authority shall ensure that the notice states that the application is on file in the office of the clerk of the municipal corporation or township and is available for inspection by the public during regular business hours. The legislative authority also shall indicate in the notice the date and time of any public hearing to be held regarding the application by the legislative authority.

Not earlier than thirty but not later than sixty days after the initial publication of notice, the legislative authority shall approve or disapprove the application by either ordinance or resolution, as applicable. Approval of an application requires an affirmative vote of a majority of the legislative authority. Upon approval of the application by the legislative authority, the territory described in the application constitutes an outdoor refreshment area. The legislative authority shall provide to the division of liquor control and the investigative unit of the department of public safety notice of the approval of the application and a description of the area specified in the application. If the legislative authority disapproves the application, the executive officer of a municipal corporation or fiscal officer of a township may make changes in the application to secure its approval by the legislative authority.

(D) The creation of outdoor refreshment areas is limited as follows:

(1) A municipal corporation or township with a population of more than fifty thousand shall not create more than six outdoor refreshment areas. Any such outdoor refreshment area shall include at least four qualified permit holders.

(2) A municipal corporation or township with a population of fifty thousand or less shall not create more than three outdoor refreshment areas. Any such outdoor refreshment area shall include at least two qualified permit holders.

For purposes of this section, the population of a municipal corporation or township is deemed to be the population shown by the most recent regular federal decennial census.

(E) As soon as possible after receiving notice that an outdoor refreshment area has been approved, the division of liquor control, for purposes of section 4301.62 of the Revised Code, shall issue an outdoor refreshment area designation to each qualified permit holder located within the refreshment area that is in compliance with all applicable requirements under Chapters 4301. and 4303. of the Revised Code. The division shall not charge any fee for the issuance of the designation. Any permit holder that receives such a designation shall comply with all laws, rules, and regulations that govern its license type, and the applicable public health and safety requirements established for the area under division (F) of this section.

(F)(1) At the time of the creation of an outdoor refreshment area, the legislative authority of a municipal corporation or township in which such an area is located shall adopt an ordinance or resolution, as applicable, that establishes requirements the legislative authority determines necessary to ensure public health and safety within the area. The legislative authority shall include in the ordinance or resolution all of the following:

(a) The specific boundaries of the area, including street addresses;

(b) The number, spacing, and type of signage designating the area;

(c) The hours of operation for the area;

(d) The number of personnel needed to ensure public safety in the area;

(e) A sanitation plan that will help maintain the appearance and public health of the area;

(f) The number of personnel needed to execute the sanitation plan;

(g) A requirement that beer and intoxicating liquor be served solely in plastic bottles or other non-glass containers in the area.

The legislative authority may, but is not required to, include in the ordinance or resolution any public health and safety requirements proposed in an application under division (B) of this section to designate or expand the outdoor refreshment area. The legislative authority may subsequently modify the public health and safety requirements as determined necessary by the legislative authority.

(2) Prior to adopting an ordinance or resolution under this division, the legislative authority shall give notice of its proposed action by publication in one newspaper of general circulation in the municipal corporation or township or as provided in section 7.16 of the Revised Code.

(3) The legislative authority shall provide to the division of liquor control and the investigative unit of the department of public safety notice of the public health and safety requirements established or modified under this division.

(G) If an outdoor refreshment area has been created in accordance with this section, the holder of an F class permit that sponsors an event located in the outdoor refreshment area may apply to the division for issuance of an outdoor refreshment area designation. The division shall issue such a designation if the division determines that the permit holder is in compliance with all applicable requirements established under this chapter and Chapter 4303. of the Revised Code. An F class permit holder that receives a designation under this division shall do both of the following:

(1) Comply with all laws, rules, and regulations that govern its type of permit, and the applicable public health and safety requirements established for the outdoor refreshment area under division (F) of this section;

(2) Not block ingress or egress to the outdoor refreshment area or any other liquor permit premises located within the area.

(H) Section 4399.18 of the Revised Code applies to a liquor permit holder located within an outdoor refreshment area in the same manner as if the liquor permit holder were not located in an outdoor refreshment area.

(I)(1) Five years after the date of creation of an outdoor refreshment area, the legislative authority of the municipal corporation or township that created the area under this section shall review the operation of the area and shall, by ordinance or resolution, either approve the continued operation of the area or dissolve the area. Prior to adopting the ordinance or resolution, the legislative authority shall give notice of its proposed action by publication in one newspaper of general circulation in the municipal corporation or township or as provided in section 7.16 of the Revised Code.

If the legislative authority dissolves the outdoor refreshment area, the outdoor refreshment area ceases to exist. The legislative authority then shall provide notice of its action to the division of liquor control and the investigative unit of the department of public safety. Upon receipt of the notice, the division shall revoke all outdoor refreshment area designations issued to qualified permit holders within the dissolved area. If the legislative authority approves the continued operation of the outdoor refreshment area, the area continues in operation.

(2) Five years after the approval of the continued operation of an outdoor refreshment area under division (I)(1) of this section, the legislative authority shall conduct a review in the same manner as provided in division (I)(1) of this section. The legislative authority also shall conduct such a review five years after any subsequent approval of continued operation under division (I)(2) of this section.

(J) At any time, the legislative authority of a municipal corporation or township in which an outdoor refreshment area is located may, by ordinance or resolution, dissolve all or a part of the outdoor refreshment area. Prior to adopting the resolution or ordinance, the legislative authority shall give notice of its proposed action by publication in one newspaper of general circulation in the municipal corporation or township or as provided in section 7.16 of the Revised Code. If the legislative authority dissolves all or part of an outdoor refreshment area, the area designated in the ordinance or resolution no longer constitutes an outdoor refreshment area. The legislative authority shall provide notice of its actions to the division of liquor control and the investigative unit of the department of public safety. Upon receipt of the notice, the division shall revoke all outdoor refreshment area designations issued to qualified permit holders or the holder of an F class permit within the dissolved area or portion of the area.

Last updated January 13, 2022 at 12:10 PM

Section 4301.83 | Waiver to serve alcohol at major event.

• Effective: September 28, 2016
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 342 - 131st General Assembly

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Qualified permit holder" means a person to which both of the following apply:

(a) The person is the holder of an A-1, A-l-A, A-lc, A-2, A-2f, or D permit issued under Chapter 4303. of the Revised Code.

(b) The location of the premises for which the person has been issued a permit specified in division (A)(1)(a) of this section is in a county in which a major event will occur or in a county contiguous to the county in which a major event will occur.

(2) "Major event" means an event that meets all of the following conditions:

(a) It is scheduled to occur in a municipal corporation with a population of three hundred fifty thousand or more on or after September 29, 2015.

(b) It is expected to attract not less than three thousand visitors.

(c) It is scheduled to have a duration of not less than one day and not more than ten days.

(B) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary and upon issuance of a waiver by the division of liquor control under this section, a qualified permit holder may serve beer, intoxicating liquor, or both between five thirty a.m. and four a.m. the following day during a major event.

(C) Not later than one hundred twenty days prior to the commencement of a major event, a qualified permit holder may file an application for a waiver with the chief executive officer of the municipal corporation in which the permit holder's premises is located or the fiscal officer of the township in which the permit holder's premises is located. The qualified permit holder shall include in the application both of the following:

(1) The name and address of the qualified permit holder;

(2) The name and address of the premises that is the subject of the application.

(D)(1) Not later than ninety days prior to the commencement of the major event, the chief executive officer of the municipal corporation or the fiscal officer of the township that receives an application under division (C) of this section shall review all applications received under division (C) of this section and compile a list of the applicants.

(2) In compiling the list under division (D)(1) of this section, the chief executive officer or fiscal officer shall consult with the chief law enforcement officer of the municipal corporation or township, as applicable, to determine whether to retain each applicant on the list.

(E)(1) Not later than sixty days prior to the commencement of the major event, the chief executive officer of the municipal corporation or the fiscal officer of the township that compiles a list of qualified permit holders under division (D) of this section shall submit the list to the division.

(2) The division shall review the list and determine whether to retain each qualified permit holder on the list. The division may remove the name of a permit holder from the list for good cause. After review, the division shall certify the list.

(F) Not later than thirty days prior to the commencement of the major event, the division shall do both of the following:

(1) Return the list certified under division (E) of this section to the chief executive officer of the municipal corporation or the fiscal officer of the township that submitted the original list under division (E) of this section;

(2) Issue a waiver to each permit holder on the list that allows the permit holder to serve beer, intoxicating liquor, or both between five thirty a.m. and four a.m. the following day during the major event.

(G) The division shall establish the form of the application to be used under this section and shall make it available for use by qualified permit holders.

Section 4301.99 | Penalty.

• Effective: April 4, 2023
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 288 - 134th General Assembly

(A) Whoever violates section 4301.47, 4301.48, 4301.49, 4301.62, or 4301.70 or division (C) of section 4301.65 or division (B) of section 4301.691 of the Revised Code is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.

(B) Whoever violates section 4301.15, division (A)(2) or (C) of section 4301.22, division (C), (D), (E), (F), (G), (H), or (I) of section 4301.631, or section 4301.64 or 4301.67 of the Revised Code is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.

If an offender who violates section 4301.64 of the Revised Code was under the age of eighteen years at the time of the offense, the court, in addition to any other penalties it imposes upon the offender, may suspend the offender's temporary instruction permit, probationary driver's license, or driver's license for a period of not less than six months and not more than one year. In lieu of suspending the offender's temporary instruction permit, probationary driver's license, or driver's license, the court instead may require the offender to perform community service for a number of hours determined by the court. If the offender is fifteen years and six months of age or older and has not been issued a temporary instruction permit or probationary driver's license, the offender shall not be eligible to be issued such a license or permit for a period of six months. If the offender has not attained the age of fifteen years and six months, the offender shall not be eligible to be issued a temporary instruction permit until the offender attains the age of sixteen years.

(C) Whoever violates division (D) of section 4301.21, section 4301.251, 4301.58, 4301.59, 4301.60, 4301.633, 4301.66, 4301.68, or 4301.74, division (B), (C), (D), or (F) of section 4301.69, or division (E), (F), (G), or (I) of section 4301.691 of the Revised Code is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.

(D) Whoever violates division (B) of section 4301.14, division (A)(1) or (3) or (B) of section 4301.22, division (E)(1) of section 4301.69, or division (C) or (D) of section 4301.691 of the Revised Code is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.

If an offender who violates division (E)(1) of section 4301.69 of the Revised Code was under the age of eighteen years at the time of the offense and the offense occurred while the offender was the operator of or a passenger in a motor vehicle, the court, in addition to any other penalties it imposes upon the offender, shall suspend the offender's temporary instruction permit or probationary driver's license for a period of not less than six months and not more than one year. If the offender is fifteen years and six months of age or older and has not been issued a temporary instruction permit or probationary driver's license, the offender shall not be eligible to be issued such a license or permit for a period of six months. If the offender has not attained the age of fifteen years and six months, the offender shall not be eligible to be issued a temporary instruction permit until the offender attains the age of sixteen years.

(E) Whoever violates section 4301.63 or division (B) of section 4301.631 of the Revised Code shall be fined not less than twenty-five nor more than one hundred dollars. The court imposing a fine for a violation of section 4301.63 or division (B) of section 4301.631 of the Revised Code may order that the fine be paid by the performance of public work at a reasonable hourly rate established by the court. The court shall designate the time within which the public work shall be completed.

(F)(1) Whoever violates section 4301.634 of the Revised Code is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree. If, in committing a first violation of that section, the offender presented to the permit holder or the permit holder's employee or agent a false, fictitious, or altered identification card, a false or fictitious driver's license purportedly issued by any state, or a driver's license issued by any state that has been altered, the offender is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree and shall be fined not less than two hundred fifty and not more than one thousand dollars, and may be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not more than six months.

(2) On a second violation in which, for the second time, the offender presented to the permit holder or the permit holder's employee or agent a false, fictitious, or altered identification card, a false or fictitious driver's license purportedly issued by any state, or a driver's license issued by any state that has been altered, the offender is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree and shall be fined not less than five hundred nor more than one thousand dollars, and may be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not more than six months. The court also may impose a class seven suspension of the offender's driver's or commercial driver's license or permit or nonresident operating privilege from the range specified in division (A)(7) of section 4510.02 of the Revised Code.

(3) On a third or subsequent violation in which, for the third or subsequent time, the offender presented to the permit holder or the permit holder's employee or agent a false, fictitious, or altered identification card, a false or fictitious driver's license purportedly issued by any state, or a driver's license issued by any state that has been altered, the offender is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree and shall be fined not less than five hundred nor more than one thousand dollars, and may be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not more than six months. Except as provided in this division, the court also may impose a class six suspension of the offender's driver's or commercial driver's license or permit or nonresident operating privilege from the range specified in division (A)(6) of section 4510.02 of the Revised Code, and the court may order that the suspension or denial remain in effect until the offender attains the age of twenty-one years. The court, in lieu of suspending the offender's temporary instruction permit, probationary driver's license, or driver's license, instead may order the offender to perform a determinate number of hours of community service, with the court determining the actual number of hours and the nature of the community service the offender shall perform.

(G) Whoever violates section 4301.636 of the Revised Code is guilty of a felony of the fifth degree.

(H) Whoever violates division (A)(1) of section 4301.22 of the Revised Code is guilty of a misdemeanor, shall be fined not less than five hundred and not more than one thousand dollars, and, in addition to the fine, may be imprisoned for a definite term of not more than sixty days.

(I) Whoever violates division (A) of section 4301.69 or division (H) of section 4301.691 of the Revised Code is guilty of a misdemeanor, shall be fined not less than five hundred and not more than one thousand dollars, and, in addition to the fine, may be imprisoned for a definite term of not more than six months.

(J) Whoever violates division (B) of section 4301.65 of the Revised Code is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree. For a second or subsequent violation occurring within a period of five consecutive years after the first violation, a person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.

Last updated March 8, 2023 at 12:12 PM

Section 4301.991 | Notice of conviction or acquittal of liquor control violations.

• Effective: October 29, 1995
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 162 - 121st General Assembly

Upon the trial of a permit holder, the permit holder's employee, or the permit holder's agent for a violation of sections 4301.01 to 4301.74 of the Revised Code occurring on the premises for which a permit issued by the department or, beginning on July 1, 1997, the division of liquor control is held by the permit holder, the magistrate or the clerk of the municipal court or of the court of common pleas shall, if the permit holder, the permit holder's employee, or the permit holder's agent is found guilty, within seven days after the sentence has been imposed mail a certified copy of the record of such conviction to the director of public safety, who shall forward a copy of that certified copy to the director or, beginning on July 1, 1997, the superintendent of liquor control.

If the permit holder, the permit holder's employee, or the permit holder's agent is found to be not guilty after a trial on the merits, the magistrate or clerk of the municipal court or of the court of common pleas shall within seven days mail a certified copy of the journal entry to the director or superintendent of liquor control and the permit holder shall not be cited to the liquor control commission for any alleged violations of law or rules based upon specifications contained in the indictment, information, or affidavit in the case.