LIQUOR CONTROL

Welcome to the Division of Liquor Control

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ABOUT US

Every state in the country has an alcohol beverage control agency that regulates the manufacturing, wholesale distribution and retail sale of alcoholic beverages. There are no unrestricted free markets for alcohol sales in any state.
In Ohio, the Department of Commerce Division of Liquor Control is responsible for controlling the manufacture, distribution, licensing, regulation, and merchandising of beer, wine, mixed beverages, and spirituous liquor as the law is outlined in the Ohio Revised Code Chapters 4301. and 4303.

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SUPERINTENDENT

Superintendent
HARRY KNIGHT
Contact Me

Harry G. Knight is superintendent of the Ohio Division of Liquor Control. He joined the Division in September 2015 as Chief Operating Officer for the Division’s Enterprise Operations. Prior to joining the state, Harry worked in the food & beverage and supply chain industries for more than 30 years. After a 5-year career in professional athletics, Harry worked for Anheuser-Busch Inc. from 1979 to 2009. During that time, he served in various senior leadership roles in all areas of brewery operations. In 2009, Knight joined the Kroger Company, where he was responsible for the operation of the Great Lakes Regional Distribution Center (GLRDC) in Delaware, Ohio. The GLRDC services more than 270 Kroger banner stores in Ohio, Michigan and West Virginia.

NEWSLETTER

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LOOK IT UP

Find A Liquor Store Find A Spirituous Liquor Brand New Spirituous Liquor Items
Search Ownership Allows you to obtain the name of an individual/entity owning a business with issued or pending retail licenses

Types of Permits, Fees and Definitions Available Look up a list of all types/classes of permits with their definition, the fee, and a link to the Ohio Revised Code

Search Special Events Licenses Allows you to obtain a list of special event and non-profit organizations with a permit to sell alcohol for individual events

Search Permit Holders Allows you to search the name/address of businesses holding a license

Beer and Wine Distributor / Brand File for Download Click on the link to download the distributor Excel file. The data is a delimited file with a comma as the only delimiter. It may take several minutes to download this file.

Search Permits In Safekeeping Allows you to search the name/address of licensed retail businesses currently not in operation while maintaining a permit

Search Violations Allows you to search the violation history of licensed retail businesses

Get a liquor license for your business.
Learn how to get your carryout, grocery store, bar or restaurant licensed to sell liquor.
SPIRITS
Welcome to the Division of Liquor Control Agency Operations
Agency Operations

The Division of Liquor Control manages a system of agency stores, called “Contract Liquor Agencies,” for the wholesale and retail sale of spirituous liquor. Spirituous liquor is intoxicating liquor containing more than 21% alcohol by volume. The Division selects products and sets the prices at which the Contract Liquor Agencies sell to licensed retailers and consumers.
Publications
- Monthly Newsletter For Agency Operators
- New Spirituous Liquor Items
Search and Find
- Liquor Store
- Spirituous Liquor Brand
New Agency (Store) Information
- New Agency Locations Available
- Agency Store FAQs
Existing Liquor Agencies (Stores)
- Change Assigned Wholesale Store
- Tasting At An Agency (Store)
How to List a New Spirituous Liquor Product in Ohio (Suppliers and Brokers)
Become a Contract Liquor Agent.
Learn how agency stores are chosen and operate.
LICENSING
Welcome to the Division of Liquor Control Licensing Section

Liquor Permits
The Division of Liquor Control issues new licenses, renews licenses annually, and approves license transfers for Ohio’s approximately 25,000 private businesses that are alcohol manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, retailers, and organizers of special events where alcohol is sold.
The Division registers all beer, wine, and mixed beverages (containing 21% alcohol by volume or less) products for sale in Ohio. This section also registers out-of-state suppliers and all salespersons of beer, wine, and mixed beverage products.
SPECIAL EVENTS

General

Selling Alcohol At Special Events And Charitable Functions

Temporary FAQ Chart

Major Events

Qualifying Major Event Waiver Application

Qualifying Major Event Waiver

Not for Profit Farmers Market

Registered Farmers Market (F10)

Non-Profit Organizations

Apply For A Temporary License:

To Sell Beer For A Special Event (F)

Sell Beer, Wine, Mixed Beverages (F2)

By A 501c(3) Organization For wine only (F6)

What is A 501c(3) Organization

To Bring Alcohol To A Convention Center (F1)

To Showcase Ohio Wines (F4)

To Bring Alcohol To A Convention Center (F1)

For Educational Purposes (F3)

For A Riverboat (F5)

For A Qualified Golf Event (F7)

For A Publicly Owned Property (F8)

For A Park Leased From A Municipality (F9)
RETAILER (New)

To determine what type of retail liquor license you should apply for, please view our Permit Classes (click here).
Below on the left are various Retail Liquor License Applications offered by the state of Ohio. In addition you may need to file additional forms, located below on the right, depending on the type of transaction and/or business entity, in order to assist the division with processing your application.

Apply For:

New Bar, Restaurant or Carryout

Additional Fixed Bars/Counters – (Duplicate Bar)

Transporting Alcoholic Beverages (H)

Selling In a Resort Area (D7)

Selling In An Enclosed Shopping Mall (D5B)

Selling On Railroad, Aircraft or Dining Car (E)

Drugstore/Pharmacy For Medicinal Purposes(G)

Buy Wholesale As A Druggist (I)

Sunday Sales of Intoxicating Liquor (D6)

Community Entertainment District (D5J)

Tasting Samples of Beer, Wine and Mixed Beverages (D8)

Private Club License (D4)

Forms To Complete with your Application:

LLC Membership Disclosure 4032

Officer/Shareholder Disclosure 4030

Partnership Disclosure 4031

Non-Profit Disclosure 4029

Private Club Officer Disclosure

Fingerprint Background Check Process

Personal History / Background Form

Financial Verification Sheet

Summary of Tenancy

Hotel/Motel Affiliation Agreement

General Information / Forms:

How To Apply for a Liquor Permit

Cancel An Application Or Issued Liquor License

Renew my Retail Liquor Permit FAQ

Basic Requirements for Inspection of Premises
TRANSFERS

To view a description of the license you are transferring, please view our Permit Classes (click here).
Below on the left are various Applications that can be completed if you are transferring an existing liquor permit. You may also need to file additional forms located below on the right, depending on the type of transaction and/or business entity, in order to assist the division with processing your application.

Apply For/To:

Transfer Ownership Only

Transfer Ownership & Location

Transfer Location Only

Change LLC Membership

Change Corporate Shareholders

General Information:

How To Transfer a Liquor Permit

Cancel An Application Or Issued Liquor License

Basic Requirements for Inspection of Premises

Renew my Retail Liquor Permit FAQ

Forms To Complete with your Application:

LLC Membership Disclosure 4032

Officer/Shareholder Disclosure 4030

Partnership Disclosure 4031

Non-Profit Disclosure 4029

Private Club Officer Disclosure

Fingerprint Background Check Process

Personal History / Background Form

Financial Verification Sheet

Summary of Tenancy

Summary Of Purchase Agreement

TREX-Economic Development Form

TREX Fee Chart When Moving to New Renewal Period
MANUFACTURER

Manufacturers & Suppliers

New Beer Alcohol by Volume (ABV) Regulations

Apply To Direct Ship Beer & Wine To Consumers

Submit Annual Shipping Report

Apply To Sell Wine To Retail License Holders

Apply To Register A Product

Register A Brand Sales Territory

Conduct A Sample Liquor Tasting

Apply To Temporarily Close Business Operations

Apply To Expand/Reduce Your Premises

Suppliers Only

Apply To Be A Supplier Of Alcoholic Beverages

Solicitors

Apply To Be A Liquor Sales Representative (Solicitor)

Manufacturers Only

Direct Shipping Information

Apply To Manufacture Alcoholic Beverages (In-State)

New Ohio Farm Winery Permit (A2F)

Organization Disclosure

Submit A Financial Verification Sheet

LLC Membership Disclosure

Officers/Shareholders Disclosure

Partnership Disclosure

Submit Personal History/ Background

Get A Fingerprint Background Check

Renew Your Liquor Sales Representative (Solicitor) Registration
DISTRIBUTOR

Wholesalers & Distributors

Apply To Become A Wholesale Beer, Wine & Mixed Beverage Distributor (In-State)

Apply To Direct Ship Beer & Wine To Consumers

Apply To Sell Wine To Retail License Holders

Apply To Register Product

Register A Brand Sales Territory

Conduct A Sample Liquor Tasting

Apply To Temporarily Close Business Operations

Apply To Expand/Reduce Your Premises

Organization Disclosure

Submit A Financial Verification Sheet

LLC Membership Disclosure

Officers/Shareholders Disclosure

Partnership Disclosure

Submit Personal History/ Background

Get A Fingerprint Background Check

Solicitors

Apply To Be A Liquor Sales Representative (Solicitor)

Renew Your Liquor Sales Representative (Solicitor) Registration
RENEWALS

General Information

When Do I Renew My License

Resolve Tax Problems That Are Stopping The Renewal of My License

Object to the Issuance or Renewal of a Liquor License

Legislative Authority Objection Rights

Renewal Process

How to Renew My License Once it has Expired
Investigations

Investigations & Compliance
The Investigative Services Unit of the Investigations & Compliance Section is responsible for the physical inspection of all liquor permit applicants and licensed permit holders in order to verify compliance with the liquor laws and regulations of the State of Ohio. They also conduct investigations regarding the operation of licensed permit premises for the purpose of determining compliance and enforcement of Ohio's administrative laws regarding beer and intoxicating liquor. Criminal provisions of the law, such as underage sales, are enforced by the Ohio Department of Public Safety's Investigative Unit.
Inspection Requirements

Basic Requirements for Inspection of Retail Premises - DLC4070

Applications & Forms

Apply To:

Temporarily Close Business Operations – DLC4214

4301:A1-1-16 Law on Temporary Closing Authority

4303.272 Law on Safekeeping of your Permit

Apply To:

Expand or Reduce your Premises – DLC4248
You can play a role in preventing underage drinking.
Learn how you can help stop the serving of underage drinkers.
RESOURCES
Welcome to the Division of Liquor Control Information Resources
Permit Classes

To view a detailed description of the different Permit Classes and their associated fees Click Here

Laws & Rules
Ohio Administrative Code (OAC)
- Division Rules 4301
- Law On Closing Authority (Business Operations Closed More Than 30 Days) 4301:A1-1-16
- Law On Gambling 4301:A1-1-53
- Liquor Commission Rules
Ohio Revised Code (ORC)
- Liquor Laws & Rules
- Law On Safekeeping (Temporary Discontinuance of Business Operations) 4303.272
- Law On Open Containers 4301.62
- Law On Ethics "No Gifts Please…" 102
Social Responsibility & Prevention
Publications and Documents
Liquor Associations
Helpful Sites & Information
Availability / Quota of Permits
Legislative Authority Information
- Legislative Authority Information
Having problems with a bar in your community?
Learn the steps you can take to help protect your neighborhood.
CONTACT US

Welcome to the Division of Liquor Control

Visit Us

Mailing Address
Ohio Department of Commerce
Division of Liquor Control
6606 Tussing Road
Reynoldsburg, OH 43068

Hours Of Operation
8 AM - 5 PM
Phone (614) 644-2360
Email web.liqr@com.state.oh.us

Give us your

Division of Liquor Control Sections
Inspections & Compliance
Investigative Service Unit:
Phone (614) 644-2455

Agency Operations (Liquor Agency Information)
Phone (614) 644-2380

Retail Licensing
Renewal of Retail License:
Phone (614) 644-3162
Fax (614) 644-6968
Special Event Licensing: (Temporary permits)
Phone (614) 387-7407
Fax (614) 644-6965
Transfer of Retail License:
Phone (614) 644-3156
Fax (614) 644-3166
Retail License: Apply for New Bar/Restaurant/Carryout
Phone (614) 644-3155
Fax (614) 644-3166

Beer & Wine (Manufacturers & Distributors) Phone (614) 644-2411
E-mail Liquor_B&W;@com.state.oh.us

Communications/Media Relations
Phone (614) 644-2556
E-mail matt.mullins@com.state.oh.us

Legal (Hearings)
Phone (614) 644-2489
Fax (614) 644-3740

Report Liquor Law Violations (Enforcement)
Public Safety Complaints:
Cell Phone Users:............................ #677
Landline Users:
Main Office (After Hours Leave Message). 614-644-2415
Shipley Guard Desk (24 hours a day)......... 614-752-6007

Want to sell your beer or wine to Ohio stores, bars and restaurants?
Learn how to get products registered.

LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY INFORMATION

How to Change my address with the Division of Liquor Control This form is used by a Legislative Authority to change their address with the Division of Liquor Control to ensure they receive Fee Distribution Checks and Notice’s from the Division on pending and issued liquor permit applicants/holders. After completing this form with your new address, please return it to: Ohio Division of Liquor Control Attn: Fiscal East 6606 Tussing Road Reynoldsburg, OH 43068

	How to Object to the Issuance or Renewal of a Liquor Permit
	Current Liquor Permit Renewal Objection Rights Letter
	Learn about the Renewal Process of a Liquor Permit in Your Jurisdiction
	Acquire a List of Issued Permit Holders in Your Jurisdiction

CONTACT US

Division of Liquor Control
6606 Tussing Road
Reynoldsburg, OH 43068

Phone 614.644.2360
Email Web.liqr@com.state.oh.us

Webmaster
Contact the Webmaster for Questions
or Comments on the Website:
webmaster@com.state.oh.us

CONNECT WITH US

LOOKUP SERVICES

Special Event Liquor Permit Search Liquor Permit Retailers Search Liquor Permit Violations Search Ownership Disclosure Search Permits In Safekeeping Search

RESOURCES

We Don't Serve Teens Liquor Laws & Rules Ohio Liquor Control Commission Ohio Ethics Commission Law On Open Containers Law On Gambling

ABOUT LIQUOR CONTROL

Director Jacqueline T. Williams Superintendent Harry G. Knight FAQs

Get a liquor license for your business.

Agency Operations

Publications

Search and Find

New Agency (Store) Information

Existing Liquor Agencies (Stores)

How to List a New Spirituous Liquor Product in Ohio (Suppliers and Brokers)

Become a Contract Liquor Agent.

Liquor Permits

General

Major Events

Not for Profit Farmers Market

Non-Profit Organizations

Apply For:

Forms To Complete with your Application:

General Information / Forms:

Apply For/To:

General Information:

Forms To Complete with your Application:

Manufacturers & Suppliers

Suppliers Only

Solicitors

Manufacturers Only

Organization Disclosure

Wholesalers & Distributors

Organization Disclosure

Solicitors

General Information

Investigations & Compliance

Inspection Requirements

Applications & Forms

You can play a role in preventing underage drinking.

Permit Classes

Laws & Rules

Social Responsibility & Prevention

Publications and Documents

Liquor Associations

Helpful Sites & Information

Availability / Quota of Permits

Legislative Authority Information

Having problems with a bar in your community?

Visit Us

Division of Liquor Control Sections

Want to sell your beer or wine to Ohio stores, bars and restaurants?