Division of Liquor Control Highlights Permit Renewal Processes Ahead of June Renewal Cycle

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Approximately one-third of Ohio's 28,000 liquor permits are set to expire on June 1, 2026, and the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Liquor Control is highlighting what Ohio permit holders, local legislative authorities, and the public should know about the permit renewal process.

On June 1, around 9,000 retail (Class C and D) liquor permits (such as carryout locations, bars, and restaurants) located in the following counties will expire: Adams, Allen, Auglaize, Brown, Butler, Champaign, Clark, Clermont, Clinton, Darke, Defiance, Fayette, Fulton, Greene, Hamilton, Hancock, Hardin, Henry, Highland, Logan, Lucas, Mercer, Miami, Montgomery, Ottawa, Paulding, Preble, Putnam, Sandusky, Shelby, Van Wert, Warren, Williams, and Wood.

Local legislative authorities, such as county commissions, city councils, and township trustees, have the right to object to the renewal of retail permits located in their jurisdiction. In order to be considered for his upcoming renewal period, objections must be postmarked or sent via email to the Division's legal section at [email protected] by May 4.

"Our goal is to make this process clear and accessible so communities feel informed and supported in understanding how liquor permit renewals work," Division Superintendent Jackie DeGenova said. "This shared understanding strengthens responsible oversight and helps maintain safe, legal liquor operations across Ohio."

To provide additional information on the permit renewal process, the Division created a guide to liquor permit renewal and objections available at com.ohio.gov/LiquorPermitRenewal. This resource explains the renewal and objection process and answers commonly asked questions such as when permits are renewed, what happens if a permit holder doesn't renew their permit in a timely manner, and how the objection process impacts renewals.

Reminder for Permit Holders About New Online Licensing System
Some permit holders may notice changes when renewing their permits this year. The launch of the Ohio Permit and Liquor Licensing (OPAL) system one year ago resulted in changes impacting new permit applicants, businesses applying for permit renewals, and organizations applying for temporary liquor permits. The Division will notify permit holders once it's time to renew online.

Those businesses that already have access to their permit account in OPAL can log in and renew. For those that have not yet accessed their permit in OPAL, an email will be sent to contacts on file with further instructions. All OPAL users must have an account on the OHID platform, which provides access to a streamlined, paperless system for Ohio alcohol permits and licensure.

Learn more about OPAL at com.ohio.gov/OPAL.

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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 com.ohio.gov.