With warmer weather upon us, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Liquor Control reminds Ohioans there are restrictions on where adults can enjoy alcoholic beverages. This is especially important as many businesses and consumers gear up for patio season and community events that take place within Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas (DORAs).

With prom and graduation season underway at high schools across the state, the Ohio Department of Commerce's Division of Liquor Control and the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Ohio Investigative Unit remind liquor permit holders, families, schools and communities to work together to ensure these milestone events stay safe and enjoyable.

With nearly a third of Ohio’s roughly 28,000 current liquor permits set to expire on June 1, particularly in the western part of the state, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Liquor Control is highlighting how Ohioans can learn more about the permit renewal process, how they can get involved, and the role that local legislative bodies play in those permits’ renewals.

As Ohio nonprofit organizations make preparations for spring and summer events to bring Ohioans together, raise money and support various causes, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Liquor Control is highlighting the role that temporary liquor permits play in ensuring the safe and legal sale of alcoholic beverages to attendees.

As 2025 unfolds and many Ohioans reflect on their commitment to Dry January, the Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of Liquor Control (DOLC) invites adults to consider how the principles of Dry January can serve as the foundation for a healthier lifestyle throughout the year.

As we enter the season of giving, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Liquor Control (DOLC) reminds charitable and political organizations as defined by Ohio Revised Code Section 4301.58 to make sure they adhere to the law if they intend to use alcohol as a prize at an upcoming fundraising event.

When Ohioans go to cast their vote on Nov. 5, they may see more than political contests on the ballot. Voters in various Ohio communities may also see items related to local option election laws.

The beginning of football season also means the beginning of tailgating season in parking lots across Ohio. Before gameday arrives, the Ohio Department of Commerce's Divisions of Liquor Control and Cannabis Control remind Ohioans to make safe, responsible and legal decisions regarding the use of alcohol and cannabis leading up to kickoff.

Ohio Department of Commerce Director Sherry Maxfield has appointed Jacqueline DeGenova, J.D. to serve as Superintendent of the Division of Liquor Control (DOLC). She will assume the role on May 6, 2024. 

As we approach the prom and graduation season, the Ohio Investigative Unit (OIU) and the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Liquor Control (DOLC) remind high school students and their parents to make safe, responsible and legal choices as they plan celebrations.

With nearly one-third of Ohio’s approximately 27,000 liquor permits set to expire on June 1, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Liquor Control has developed an online resource to help inform Ohioans about the permit renewal process and the role that local legislative bodies play.

Spring is here, and as the busy events season gets underway, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Liquor Control (DOLC) reminds organizations of its upcoming transition to a fully online application process for those who seek temporary liquor permits. 

When Ohioans go to the polls on March 19, they may see a question on the ballot about whether a particular business should be able to sell a certain type of alcohol at a specific location. The question may also reference regular (Monday–Saturday) sales, or it may ask about Sunday sales. These types of questions are part of the local option election law process.

Ahead of the Super Bowl on Sunday, Feb. 11, the Ohio Investigative Unit (OIU) and the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Liquor Control (DOLC) remind liquor permit holders of the steps they need to take to protect their establishments, employees, patrons and communities.