COLUMBUS, Ohio - With the arrival of Alcohol Awareness Month this April, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Liquor Control is reminding Ohio consumers as well as its 27,000 permit holders to always follow the state's liquor laws and to put safety and responsibility first whenever consuming alcohol.

The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) designated April as Alcohol Awareness Month in 1987 to educate individuals and communities about the impact of alcohol abuse and how it can affect a person's physical, mental and emotional health. It also aims to reduce the stigma surrounding alcohol addiction and encourages those who are struggling to seek help.

"Alcohol Awareness Month serves as a reminder that the work of promoting responsible alcohol use is a shared, ongoing effort," Division Superintendent Jackie DeGenova said. "When permit holders follow Ohio's liquor laws, verify IDs, and monitor for intoxication, they contribute directly to safety of Ohioans and communities across the state."

The Division of Liquor Control oversees licensing and regulation across Ohio's alcohol industry, including issuing and renewing liquor licenses, approving license transfers, and registering out-of-state suppliers. Liquor permit holders are prohibited from selling alcohol to anyone under the age of 21. Businesses are urged to take proactive measures such as verifying identification at the point of sale by comparing the photo on the ID with the purchaser and asking questions based on ID information to confirm validity, while always remaining alert to signs of intoxication.

Permit holders should ensure their employees understand the signs of intoxication and have completed training on when to refuse service. To help licensees stay educated, the Ohio Department of Public Safety's Ohio Investigative Unit offers its free Alcohol Server Knowledge (ASK) course, which highlights the most up-to-date rules and best practices for alcohol sales and handling.

Ohio adults are encouraged to practice moderation and to drink water and eat food before and while consuming alcohol. In addition, individuals who drink alcohol away from home should always make sure to arrange safe transportation home ahead of time or that they have a rideshare app and taxi information saved on their phone. These are important steps to prioritizing health and safety for themselves and others. Individuals convicted of selling or providing alcohol to those under the legal drinking age can face a maximum sentence of six months in jail and/or a $1,000 fine for each offense.

According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, more than 178,000 Americans die from the effects of alcohol in an average year, and roughly 10% of Americans over the age of 12 have Alcohol Use Disorder. In addition, nearly half of deaths from excessive alcohol use occur among adults aged 35 to 64. In Ohio, an average of 6,784 deaths occur annually from excessive alcohol use, with 85% of deaths occurring in adults aged 35 and older.

The need for education and awareness to promote responsible alcohol use, prevention efforts and resources is a continuous priority throughout the year. This work is central to DOLC's partnership with JobsOhio Beverage System, a collaboration known as Ohio Liquor (OHLQ), which oversees the sale and distribution of high-proof spirits (above 42 proof) statewide.

This unique model positions OHLQ to advance corporate social responsibility in partnership with the spirits industry. Efforts include amplifying important messages and insights of experts to promote abuse prevention, encourage conversations about underage drinking, and practice moderation for adults 21 and older. For adults who are interested in exploring non-alcoholic beverage options, more than 70 mocktail recipes are currently available on OHLQ.com.

Alcohol Awareness Month Initiatives and Resources
During Alcohol Awareness Month, OHLQ spotlights its social responsibility cornerstone, showcasing insights from experts and advocates at organizations like the Prevention Action Alliance and the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health.

For Ohioans struggling with addiction, or who need guidance in addressing underage drinking and responsible consumption, the following resources can help you determine where to start:

• Check In On Yourself - Ohio Department of Behavioral Health
• FindTreatment.gov
• Call 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
• Crisis Text Line - Text "4hope" to 741741
• 1-800-589-9966 Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline - Ohio For Responsible Gambling
• OHLQ Support and Resources

Ensuring Compliance with Ohio Law
In addition to issuing and renewing liquor licenses, the Division licenses nonprofit organizations for special-event alcohol sales, reviews Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) applications for legal compliance, registers alcoholic beverage products for sale, and approves representatives who promote such products in Ohio.

The Division also collaborates with partner agencies like the Ohio Department of Public Safety's Ohio Investigative Unit and the Ohio Liquor Control Commission to enforce Ohio's liquor laws and ensure compliance.

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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.