Pay Stub Protection Act takes effect April 9
COLUMBUS — Ohio’s Pay Stub Protection Act takes effect on April 9 requiring employers to include certain details within their employees’ pay statements. One key provision of the act requires all Ohio employers to provide [Read More]
Americans Content With Current Alcohol Regulatory System, Survey Finds
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — According to a new poll released by the Center for Alcohol Policy, Americans overwhelmingly support the authority of states to set their own alcohol policy, are happy with local alcohol laws and [Read More]
Liquor Control Promotes Responsible Alcohol Use During Alcohol Awareness Month
COLUMBUS — In recognition of Alcohol Awareness Month during April, the Ohio Division of Liquor Control is reminding Ohio permit holders and consumers of the importance of following the state’s liquor laws and prioritizing responsible [Read More]
Legally Speaking: Court Again Rejects Challenge To Ohio’s Direct Shipping Laws
The Block v. Canepa lawsuit concerns an out-of-state wine retailer and an in-state wine consumer against the state of Ohio challenging the prohibition of the out-of-state wine retailer to obtain a retail license to ship [Read More]
Division ‘Committed’ To Guiding Nonprofits Through F Permit Process
COLUMBUS — Spring is a popular time for temporary liquor permits and the Ohio Division of Liquor Control is reminding organizations issued such permits they must abide by the state’s laws for the legal sale [Read More]
Sponsors: HB 94 Offers Online Option For Posting Labor Notices
COLUMBUS — As the workplace continues to evolve post-COVID, the need to keep workers apprised of information necessary to do their jobs is even more important, according to a pair of state lawmakers who are [Read More]
Cincinnati Distilling Debuts Nuxhall Tribute Bourbon
CINCINNATI — Cincinnati Distilling has partnered with the Joe Nuxhall Foundation to launch Joe Nuxhall Baseball Bat Aged Bourbon. The 90-proof bourbon, featuring a mash bill of 75 percent corn, 21 percent rye and 4 [Read More]
House Bill Authorizes OIU Agents For Marijuana Enforcement
COLUMBUS — A second piece of legislation introduced in the current session of the General Assembly seeks to enlist liquor agents to help enforce the state’s marijuana laws. While seeking to codify the state’s current [Read More]
HB 194 Would Revise Ohio’s Al-Bev Franchise Law
COLUMBUS — Legislation introduced March 24 in the Ohio House of Representatives seeks to revise the state’s Alcohol Beverage Franchise Law. House Bill 194 would redefine “manufacturer” under the Ohio Alcoholic Beverages Franchise Act of [Read More]
Appeals Court Upholds Dismissal of Permit Holder From Dram Shop Action
CANTON — The Fifth District Court of Appeals recently upheld a lower court ruling dismissing a North Canton permit holder from a lawsuit alleging violations of the Ohio Dram Shop Act. The March 3 ruling [Read More]
Federal Judge Rules In Favor Of Ohio In Direct Shipping Case
A federal judge ruled in favor of the state of Ohio on March 20 in a challenge to the state’s alcohol shipping laws. U.S. District Judge Sarah Morrison again ruled against an out-of-state retailer and [Read More]
SB 150 Proposes Increase To Ohio’s Sports Gaming Tax
COLUMBUS — A state senator is proposing an increase to Ohio’s sports gaming tax to help fund sports venues and interscholastic athletics. Under Senate Bill 150, the tax rate levied on the receipts of a [Read More]
Liquor Control To Launch Digital Permit, Licensing Portal
COLUMBUS — The Ohio Division of Liquor Control is gearing up to launch Ohio Permit & Licensing, or OPAL, a new online portal for liquor licensing processes. The new digital, account-based platform will replace ODLC’s [Read More]
Legally Speaking: Court Rules Requiring ‘Physical Premises’ OK Under 21st Amendment
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the district court’s ruling that Arizona’s requirement that licensed retailers purchase alcohol only from licensed in-state wholesalers and must have a “physical premises” within the state. The district [Read More]
Middle West Wins 4 Medals At ACSA Competition
A Columbus distillery won four medals at the 2025 American Craft Spirits Awards, sponsored by the American Craft Spirits Association. All of Middle West Spirits’ medals came in the whiskey category, with its Cask Strength [Read More]
DISCUS Urges Pause To Trade War Affecting Spirits, Wine Exports
The U.S. spirits industry is urging President Donald Trump to rethink his trade war after the president threatened a 200 percent tariff on European spirits and wine. In a post March 13 on his Truth [Read More]
Permit Holders Urged To Serve Responsibly During March Festivities
COLUMBUS — With St. Patrick’s Day and the beginning of the NCAA basketball tournament slated to take place on back-to-back days, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Liquor Control is reminding Ohio permit holders [Read More]
ACLU Of Ohio Voices Concerns Over Digital ID Legislation
COLUMBUS — Privacy concerns recently were raised over legislation authorizing the use of digital driver’s licenses and state identification cards, and state lawmakers moved to assure such IDs could not be used for one important [Read More]
Ohioans Tip Above National Average, New Survey Finds
Ohioans tip above the national average according to a new survey of the tipping behaviors in the United States. The average tip nationally is 18.85 percent, with notable differences based on gender, age and place [Read More]
Sponsor: SB 23 Would ‘Modernize’ State’s Alcoholic Beverages Franchise Law
COLUMBUS — Legislation pending in the Ohio Senate will modernize Ohio’s alcoholic beverages franchise law to reflect the reality of the current brewing industry, according to the bill’s sponsor. Senate Bill 23 would redefine “manufacturer” [Read More]
HB 150 Seeks To Strengthen Ohio’s Minor Labor Laws
COLUMBUS — A pair of state lawmakers have introduced legislation they say is intended to protect minors from entering the workforce prematurely. House Bill 150 authorizes a school employee to immediately report to the principal [Read More]
Al-Bev Industry Coalition Urges Lifting Of Canada, Mexico Tariffs
A group of 52 associations representing the entire three-tier chain of the U.S. alcohol industry issued a statement March 5 urging President Donald Trump to lift the tariffs he placed on Mexican and Canadian imports [Read More]
Columbus Bourbon Part Of Lost Lantern Spring Collection
VERGENNES, Vt. — An Ohio-produced bourbon is featured in independent bottler Lost Lantern’s Spring 2025 Collection. The Lost Lantern Spring 2025 Collection, consisting entirely of finished whiskies, highlights new American finishing traditions, moving beyond tradition [Read More]
Legally Speaking: Temporary Permits Allow Al-Bev Sales For Fundraising
Any person desiring to sell alcohol beverages in Ohio must first obtain a permit, including those who wish to sell for a charitable or fund-raising events. The Division of Liquor Control issues temporary permits for [Read More]
Senate OKs Cannabis Bill Giving OIU Agents Enforcement Power
COLUMBUS — The agents charged with enforcing liquor laws could be called upon to help enforce Ohio’s marijuana regulations under legislation passed Feb. 26 by the state Senate. Senate Bill 56 repeals most of the state’s [Read More]