What Time Can You Buy Alcohol in Ohio? Full Guide (2023)

Last Updated on March 7, 2023 by Lydia Martin

The Department of Commerce Division of Liquor Control (DOLC) regulates the distribution, retail sales, and merchandising of alcoholic beverages in Ohio.

If you are new or visiting the state, it pays to know the existing liquor laws and what time you can buy alcohol in Ohio to avoid hassle and arrest. 

We’ve got answers for you, so keep reading. 

About The Time You Can Legally Buy Alcohol In Ohio 

You can buy different alcoholic beverages in Ohio from Monday to Saturday from 5:30 AM until 1:00 AM (Class 1) or 5:30 AM until 2:30 AM (Class 2). 

We have categorized the window hours of alcohol sales in Ohio depending on the retailers’ permits. 

Class 1 Permit Holder: A-1, A-1c, A-2, B-1, B-2, B-4, B-5, C-1, C-2, C-2X, D-1, D-2, D-2X, D-3 when issued without a D-3A, D-3X, D-4, D-5H, D-5K, D-8, F, F-1, F-2, F-3, F-4, F-5, F-6, F-7, F-8, F-9, G, or I 

Class 2 Permit Holder: A-1A, D-3 when issued with a D-3A, D-4A, D-5, D-5A, D-5B, D-5C, D-5D, D-5E, D-5F, D-5G, D-5I, D-5J, D-5l, D-5m, D-5n, D-5o or D-7 

In addition, you can legally buy alcohol in Ohio on Sundays if authorized. But in any event, it should start at least 5:30 AM and until Sunday midnight. 

Also, the consumption of alcoholic beverages on on-site premises is not allowed if beyond the approved selling hours. 

Hour Sale Schedules In Buying & Selling Alcohol In Ohio 

Mondays To Saturdays

Those with permits mentioned in Class 1 can buy and sell alcoholic beverages in Ohio from 5:30 AM until 1:00 AM. 

Also, you can consume beer, wine, distilled spirits, and mixed beverages during the window hours mentioned. 

Those with permits mentioned in Class 2 can buy and sell alcoholic beverages in Ohio from 5:30 AM until 2:30 AM.

Sunday Sales

Sunday sales of alcoholic beverages are not allowed in Ohio unless the retailer or merchandiser secures an authorized permit. 

“Ohio, for example, requires all who sell liquor and wine in the state to have the same type of permit regardless of their location.”

– Jessie Hill, Professor of Law 

In addition, the approved Sunday sales should begin anytime from 5:30 AM until 12:00 MN on Sunday only.  

Home Delivery

For those with permits mentioned in Class 1, you can deliver alcoholic beverages in Ohio from 5:30 AM until 1:00 AM. 

For those with permits mentioned in Class 2, you can deliver alcoholic beverages in Ohio from 5:30 AM until 2:30 AM.

Sunday sales home delivery is also allowed, given that the retailer has secured a permit. 

However, the local jurisdiction can restrict hours of delivery, so make sure to check within the local jurisdictions before asking for home delivery. 

What Is the Liquor Law In Ohio? 

Liquor law in Ohio is detailed and comprehensive, so you must pay attention to avoid arrest [1].

Here are some of Ohio’s liquor laws that you should note: 

• The legal minimum drinking age should be 21, and no low-alcohol drinking beverage should be sold to those below 18. 
• No person below 19 years of age shall sell beer, and no person below 21 shall sell wine, distilled spirits, and mixed beverages across a bar. 
• No person below 18 shall serve, handle, or sell intoxicating liquor or beer.  
• All establishments and retailers selling alcoholic beverages must secure a permit depending on their class type [2]. 
• No permit holder shall sell alcoholic beverages to intoxicated persons.

Where & When Can You Buy Them? 

Bars, Restaurants, & Hotels

You can buy alcohol from bars, restaurants, and hotels with permits under Class 1 from 5:30 AM until 1:00 AM.

However, you can only buy alcohol from bars, restaurants, and hotels with permits under Class 2 from 5:30 AM until 2:30 AM. 

Grocery Stores

Buying alcohol in grocery stores varies depending on the permits they hold. If they have permits under Class 1, you can buy alcohol from 5:30 AM to 1:00 AM.

On the contrary, if they have permits under Class 2, you can buy alcohol from 5:30 AM until 2:30 AM. 

Gas Stations

Not all gas stations have licenses to sell liquor, but if they have permits under Class 1, you can buy alcohol from 5:30 AM until 1:00 AM.

On the other hand, if the gas station has a permit under Class 2, you can buy alcohol from 5:30 AM until 2:30 AM. 

Breweries & Taprooms 

Breweries and Taprooms that bear a permit under Class 1 can sell alcohol from 5:30 AM until 1:00 AM. 

However, if they have a permit under Class 2, they can sell alcohol from 5:30 AM until 2:30 AM. 

Package & Liquor Stores

Based on Ohio Laws and Administrative Rules, there should only be five state liquor stores established in every county, and additional stores can be established per 20,000 population. 

If the package and liquor stores secure a permit under Class 1, you can buy alcohol from 5:30 AM until 1:00 AM. 

On the contrary, if they secure a permit under Class 2, you can buy alcohol from 5:30 AM until 2:30 AM. 

Is Ohio Considered A Dry State? 

Yes, Ohio is considered a dry state, but there are counties where you can legally buy alcohol. Some people consider it a partially dry state because of the setting.  

Sunday sales and sales licenses vary depending on the county, so dry townships in Ohio are here and there. 

FAQs

Final Thoughts

You can buy alcohol in Ohio as early as 5:30 AM and as late as 2:30 AM. However, depending on the permit class type, it can close as early as 1:30 AM. 

Sunday sales of liquor in Ohio are allowed, but there are permits to be secured to do so. In addition, home delivery is allowed depending on the permit and location. 

References:

1. https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-4301.22 
2. https://com.ohio.gov/divisions-and-programs/liquor-control/new-permit-info/guides-and-resources/permit-class-types