Last Updated on March 26, 2024 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 Ohio liquor laws to avoid hassle and arrest.
We talked to some of the liquor store owners and the authorities to get a clearer view of what time can you buy alcohol in Ohio. Keep reading to know more about it.
About The Time You Can Legally Buy Alcohol In Ohio
Based on Ohio alcohol laws, 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. In addition, you must be at least 21 years old to sell liquor, serve alcohol, and consume.
Hour Sale Schedules In Buying & Selling Alcohol In Ohio
Mondays To Saturdays
According to the local authorities we interviewed, those stores 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 and intoxicating liquor 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
Those with permits mentioned in Class 1 can deliver alcoholic beverages in Ohio from 5:30 AM until 1:00 AM.
Those with permits mentioned in Class 2 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?
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. The selling and drinking age is strictly enforced on permit holders.
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.
Related Posts:
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. Moreover, selling alcohol to minors is illegal.
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.
“In Ohio, the enforcement of liquor laws ensures public safety and order.”
-Liquor Laboratory
Sunday sales and sales licenses vary depending on the county, so dry townships in Ohio are here and there.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What hours can you buy alcohol in Ohio?
On Sundays, alcohol sales are permitted from 10:00 a.m. until midnight. However, there are exceptions to these hours, as certain municipalities may have different regulations or restrictions, such as earlier closing times or bans on Sunday sales.
It’s advisable to check with local authorities or establishments for specific operating hours in your area.
Does Walmart sell liquor in Ohio?
Walmart typically offers a selection of spirits, wines, and beers for sale in its stores that are licensed to sell alcohol. Customers can usually find liquor products in the designated alcohol section of the store.
It’s recommended to check with individual Walmart locations in Ohio to inquire about their liquor offerings and availability.
Is Ohio a dry state?
Residents and visitors can purchase alcohol from licensed establishments such as liquor stores, supermarkets, restaurants, and bars.
However, specific counties or municipalities within Ohio may have local regulations regarding alcohol sales and consumption, such as limitations on hours of operation or the sale of certain types of alcohol.
Can you buy alcohol after 1am in Ohio?
It’s important to note that individual establishments may have their own policies regarding alcohol sales and may choose to stop serving alcohol earlier than the legally mandated cutoff time.
Additionally, special permits may be obtained for extended hours during certain events or holidays, but these permits are subject to approval by local authorities.
What are the drinking laws in Ohio?
The legal drinking age in Ohio is 21 years old. It is illegal for individuals under the age of 21 to purchase, possess, or consume alcohol.
Open container laws prohibit the consumption of alcohol in public places, including streets, parks, and sidewalks.
Driving under the influence (DUI) laws in Ohio establish legal limits for blood alcohol concentration (BAC), with penalties for individuals found to be operating a vehicle while impaired.
Ohio’s dram shop liability laws hold establishments liable for injuries or damages caused by serving alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals or minors.
Alcohol sales are regulated by the Ohio Division of Liquor Control, which oversees licensing, distribution, and enforcement of alcohol-related laws and regulations.
It’s important for residents and visitors to Ohio to familiarize themselves with these laws to ensure compliance and responsible alcohol consumption.
Can I buy alcohol on Sunday in Ohio?
Some areas or stores might have restrictions on the hours during which alcohol sales are permitted on Sundays, so it’s advisable to check with the local authorities or individual retailers for the most accurate information.
When did Ohio ban alcohol?
During this time, Ohio, like other states, complied with federal law and enforced prohibition.
However, Ohio repealed its own statewide prohibition laws in 1933, following the repeal of the national prohibition through the 21st Amendment.
Since then, Ohio has regulated alcohol through various laws and regulations, with periods of tightening or loosening restrictions depending on social, economic, and political factors.
Does Ohio allow to-go alcohol?
However, it’s important to note that the specific regulations regarding the sale of to-go alcohol, including permissible container types, hours of sale, and other requirements, may vary based on local ordinances and state regulations.
Additionally, the temporary allowances made during the pandemic might have been subject to change or expiration, so it’s advisable to check the most up-to-date information from relevant authorities or regulatory agencies regarding the current status of to-go alcohol sales in Ohio.
How is liquor sold in Ohio?
Additionally, liquor can also be sold at certain grocery stores, convenience stores, and other licensed retailers. However, these establishments must obtain permits and adhere to regulations set forth by the state.
Customers purchasing liquor in Ohio can typically find a wide selection of distilled spirits, including various brands of whiskey, vodka, rum, gin, tequila, and more. Prices and availability may vary depending on the location and the specific products offered by each store.
Additionally, the sale of liquor is subject to age restrictions, and customers must be at least 21 years old to purchase alcoholic beverages in Ohio.
Why does Ohio have state liquor stores?
By maintaining control over the sale of liquor through state-operated stores, Ohio can implement regulations to ensure compliance with alcohol laws, such as age restrictions and responsible service practices. Additionally, the state can generate revenue from liquor sales through taxes, fees, and markups applied to the products sold in these stores.
Furthermore, state involvement in liquor sales allows for greater oversight of the industry, including monitoring inventory, enforcing alcohol laws, and preventing the sale of counterfeit or illegally obtained products. Overall, the state liquor store system in Ohio is designed to balance the interests of consumers, businesses, and public health and safety.
Can you buy liquor at a drive-thru in Ohio?
However, it’s important to note that drive-thru liquor sales are subject to the same regulations and restrictions as other types of alcohol sales in Ohio.
This includes age verification requirements to ensure that customers are of legal drinking age (21 years old) and limitations on the hours during which alcohol can be sold.
Additionally, drive-thru establishments must obtain the necessary permits and licenses to sell alcohol from the Ohio Division of Liquor Control and comply with all relevant state and local laws.
Can you take beer to go in Ohio?
However, it’s important to note that the sale of beer is subject to certain regulations and restrictions, including age verification requirements to ensure that customers are of legal drinking age (21 years old).
Where is alcohol banned in the US?
One notable example is certain Native American reservations, where alcohol sales and consumption may be prohibited or tightly regulated by tribal authorities.
Additionally, some counties or municipalities may have dry laws or restrictions on alcohol sales, particularly in rural or conservative areas where there may be cultural or religious objections to alcohol.
Furthermore, there are some states that have dry counties or municipalities where the sale of alcohol is prohibited or restricted. These areas may have historical or cultural reasons for maintaining dry laws, although such restrictions have become less common over time.
Overall, while alcohol bans are not widespread in the United States, there are still some areas where restrictions on alcohol sales and consumption exist due to local regulations, cultural norms, or religious beliefs.
So, What Time Can You Buy Alcohol in Ohio?
Based on the local authorities for liquor control, you can buy alcohol in Ohio as early as 5:30 AM and as late as 2:30 AM from Mondays to Saturdays.
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.
Aside from the sale of beer and liquor on specific days, home delivery is allowed depending on the permit and location.
References:
