Liquor Laws on the Ballot: What Ohio Voters Need to Know Ahead of Election Day Tomorrow

COLUMBUS, Ohio - When Ohioans go to the polls tomorrow, they may see a question on the ballot about whether a particular liquor permit location should be able to sell certain alcoholic beverages at that location. Additionally, the questions may also ask whether they can sell those beverages Monday through Saturday or on Sundays as well, and whether consumption can occur on the premises or for carryout only. These questions are all part of the local option election law process.<_o3a_p>

With more than 230 local option election issues on the ballot this coming Election Day, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Liquor Control is providing a high-level resource for media and the public to understand why voters may see liquor-related questions on the ballot. Click here to view a list of counties that have liquor-related questions on a ballot during the upcoming election, as well as links to view the county's full list of issues and questions.<_o3a_p>

"Local option elections empower residents to decide what types of alcohol can be sold, where, when and how," Division Superintendent Jackie DeGenova said. "These elections are a vital part of Ohio's wet-dry laws, giving communities direct control over alcohol sales in their neighborhoods. Because the process can be complex - especially when it comes to understanding precinct boundaries, ballot language and permit classifications - an experienced liquor attorney is recommended when navigating the process."<_o3a_p>

Local option elections primarily affect retail alcohol permits in Ohio, including carryout (C class) and on-premises (D class) permits, commonly issued to bars and restaurants. Temporary permits (F class), which are often sought by organizations hosting charitable events, are also impacted. However, most manufacturers and distributors, such as local breweries and wineries that sell their own products, are exempt from these regulations.<_o3a_p>

The Division created a special Local Option Election Law resource that explains this process, including the following three aspects of these kinds of elections:<_o3a_p>

• What are Ohio's wet-dry laws? - Ohio voters have a voice in how alcohol is regulated. For certain types of liquor permits, the location where alcohol sales will occur must be "wet" for the specific types of sales (i.e., beer, wine, spirits), including how it will be sold, such as via carryout or on-premises consumption. On the other hand, when the precinct in that area is not wet (or "dry"), a business can put a question to the voters within that precinct asking to either wet up the entire precinct or just the specific location.<_o3a_p>
• Who oversees the local election process? - County Boards of Elections manage ward and precinct histories, run elections and handle ballot placements for liquor-related votes. The Division of Liquor Control reviews election results to confirm a location's wet/dry status when processing new liquor permit applications. Both agencies work in tandem to ensure compliance with Ohio's liquor laws and to provide accurate voting data during the election process.<_o3a_p>
• What happens if the voters say yes to the ballot question? - After the county Board of Elections sends those certified results to the Division within 30 days of the election, the Division reviews the information and determines compliance with Ohio's liquor laws. Even if voted wet, the applicant still must meet all of the requirements before the permit can be issued and sales can start.<_o3a_p>

The local option election law, reflected in precinct-level ballot questions, plays an essential role in maintaining a safe and orderly marketplace for alcohol sales and Ohio's wet/dry laws.<_o3a_p>

Click here to view a Local Option Election Law Guide.<_o3a_p>

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE<_o3a_p>

Contact us to schedule an in-person or virtual interview with our subject matter expert. <_o3a_p>

CLICK HERE FOR DOWNLOADABLE SOTS
Paul Kulwinski (kool-WIN-skee), Deputy Superintendent and Director of Licensing, Division of Liquor Control, Ohio Department of Commerce <_o3a_p>

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About the Division of Liquor Control

The Division of Liquor Control is part of the Ohio Department of Commerce. The Department is Ohio's chief regulatory agency, focused on promoting prosperity and protecting what matters most to Ohioans. We ensure businesses follow the laws that help them create jobs and keep Ohioans safe. To learn more about what we do, visit our website at https://com.ohio.gov.