Expanding VLTs, eBingo Would Benefit On-Premises Permit Holders, Supporters Say
COLUMBUS — Legislation expanding lottery and bingo opportunities for bars and other businesses is the safest and least invasive way to expand gaming in Ohio, an executive of an Ohio bar owners group told members [Read More]
Legally Speaking: Beverage Alcohol Offered For Sale Must Be Acquired From Proper Source
Ohio law provides that no permit holder may possess any beer or intoxicating liquor not purchased from the Division of Liquor Control or from the holder of a permit issued by the division. [Read More]
Ohio Restaurants Projected To Add 21,000 Summer Jobs
WASHINGTON — Restaurants in Ohio are expected to see employment increase nearly 5 percent this summer, according to the National Restaurant Association’s 27th annual Eating and Drinking Place Summer Employment Forecast. Ohio eating and drinking [Read More]
Ohio Craft Breweries Contribute $1.29B To State’s Economy
COLUMBUS — Ohio’s craft brewing industry delivered $1.29 billion to the state's economy in 2024, according to the biennial economic impact report from the Ohio Craft Brewers Association. The impact report details the regional and [Read More]
House Bill 344 Expands Racino-type Terminals To Ohio Lottery Agents
COLUMBUS — Ohio lottery agents could expand their offerings with video lottery terminals under legislation introduced June 10 in the Ohio House of Representatives. House Bill 344 would expand the Ohio Lottery Commission’s operation of [Read More]
New Products: Buffalo Trace Distillery
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Buffalo Trace Distillery has introduced Eagle Rare 12, the latest age-stated addition to the Eagle Rare lineup. [Read More]
New Products: Ole Smoky
GATLINBURG, Tenn. (PRNewswire) — Ole Smoky Distillery has announced the nationwide launch of its limited-edition Moonshine Mandarins. The mandarin orange segments are soaked in Ole Smoky’s signature White Lightnin’ moonshine. [Read More]
2025 WBWAO Golf Outing
Celebrating their victory June 2 at the 2025 Wholesale Beer & Wine Association of Ohio annual golf outing, held in conjuction with the group’s annual business meeting at Moraine Country Club, is the foursome of [Read More]
Columbus’ Middle West Spirits Acquires Old Elk
COLUMBUS (PRNewswire) — Middle West Spirits here recently announced the acquisition of Colorado-based Old Elk Distillery and its related assets. Old Elk brings nationally recognized craftsmanship to Middle West's expanding branded portfolio, according to a [Read More]
DISCUS Issues Guide On Managing Distillery Visitor Safety, Site Security
WASHINGTON — The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States has released its new Visitor Safety & Site Security Best Practices Guide focused on managing visitor safety and facility security for the distilled spirits industry. [Read More]
New Products: Sazerac
COUNTY SLIGO, Ireland — The Sazerac Company has released its inaugural Irish whiskey from Hawk’s Rock Distillery: Garavogue 20 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey. [Read More]
Product News: Old Forester
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Old Forester has announce the national debut of one of its rarest expressions, President’s Choice. [Read More]
2025 Ohio Bar Expo Set For Oct. 20
COLUMBUS — The Ohio Bar Owners Association has announced its annual Ohio Bar Expo will be Oct. 20 at the Hollywood Casino in Columbus. According to a news release, the expo will offer networking with [Read More]
Legally Speaking: Three-Tier System Vital To State’s Regulation Of Alcohol
In an attempt to prevent the vertical integration of ownership which supported intemperate consumption, tied-house legislation was enacted. The most fundamental purpose of tied-house laws was the creation and preservation of the three-tier system. [Read More]
Liquor Control Launch Of OPAL, New Digital Portal, Is June 4
COLUMBUS — The Division of Liquor Control is launching its Ohio Permit and Licensing, or OPAL, system on June 4. OPAL is a comprehensive platform, marking a transition to an electronic system for all licensees. [Read More]
HB 209 Sponsor: Exempting Tips From Taxes Would Help Service Workers
COLUMBUS — A bartender-turned-lawmaker said he understands how important tips are to service workers and that a bill he sponsors is a way for such workers to keep a little more in their paychecks. House [Read More]
SNAP Scam Leads To Indictments, Major Seizures In Ohio
COLUMBUS — A nearly year-long investigation by the Ohio Investigative Unit into the use of card skimmers to steal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits across Ohio has resulted in indictments for three people. A Franklin [Read More]
Sponsors: Case Discount On NA Wines Supports Shift In Consumption
COLUMBUS — Legislation pending in the Ohio House of Representatives seeks to update Ohio’s wine discount policy to reflect the evolving beverage landscape and enable businesses to better meet the needs of today’s consumers, according [Read More]
Amended Bill Removes iLottery Game Restrictions
COLUMBUS — Legislation authorizing various forms of internet gambling in Ohio recently was amended to remove restrictions on internet lottery games. Members of the Senate Select Committee on Gaming amended Senate Bill 197 on May [Read More]
Owner Of Cincinnati Mexican Market Pleads Guilty To Money Laundering
CINCINNATI — The owner of a Mexican market pleaded guilty this month in U.S. District Court to money laundering. Teodora Meza, 52, of Cincinnati, admitted to sending what she believed were proceeds of drug trafficking [Read More]
Anheuser-Busch Opens Technical Excellence Center In Columbus
COLUMBUS — Anheuser-Busch recently expanded its Technical Excellence Center model with the launch of a new regional facility in Columbus. The new Columbus Technical Excellence Center will serve as a training hub for Anheuser-Busch’s regional [Read More]
Measure Takes Narrow Approach To Expanding Internet Gambling In Ohio
COLUMBUS — Another piece of legislation legalizing internet gambling in Ohio recently was introduced in the Ohio House of Representatives, but it seeks a more limited approach than a similar bill pending in the upper [Read More]
Columbus’ High Bank Wins 13 World Spirits Competition Medals
SAN FRANCISCO — A Columbus distillery won 13 awards, including four double gold medals, at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. High Bank Distillery claimed its top awards for Whiskey War Double Double Oaked, [Read More]
$200 Limit Added To Cash Payments Bill
COLUMBUS — State senators considering legislation requiring retail merchants to give customers the option to pay in cash imposed certain limits on such payments during a recent committee hearing. Senate Bill 30 prohibits a person [Read More]
Ohio Gin Tops Category At ADI International Spirits Competition
HAYWARD, Calif. — An Ohio-made spirit was voted Best of Category at the recent 2025 American Distilling Institute’s International Spirits Competition. The Signature Botanical gin from Gervasi Vineyard in Canton was selected Best of Category [Read More]