The new law allows 501(c)(3) nonprofit or political organizations to donate intoxicating beer or spirits without authorization as prizes in a sweepstakes or silent auction or as door prizes (fundraising). On March 23, 2022, Ohio Senate Bill 102, signed by Governor Mike DeWine, will go into effect. The new law, which amends some of Ohio`s liquor laws, aims to address labor shortages in Ohio`s bar and restaurant industry and clarify rules for Ohio home brewers and home brewing conventions. “I don`t expect any opposition,” Seitz said. “I don`t expect people to be against it for alcohol control.” Requiring beer, wine and liquor to come from an Ohio store “may violate the commercial clause of the U.S. Constitution.” Changes for home brewers: The legislation addresses some important issues Ohioans face when brewing, serving, or hosting events without a valid liquor license, even if they do so in their personal capacity on private property. The majority of U.S. states, including New York, Pennsylvania and Michigan, have set the age to serve alcohol at 18. With staffing shortages plaguing Ohio`s entire service sector, that made sense, Roegner said. Under current law, alcohol can be sold at charitable, charitable, or political events in private households, but not donated. HB 574 would allow alcohol to be “provided or given” at these parties, and it would expand the definition of events to include any charitable social purpose.
The new law eases restrictions on local home brewers and fermenters, exempting them from certain liquor licenses. The legislation addresses issues that some Ohioans have faced when brewing, serving, or hosting events without a valid liquor license, even if they do so in their personal capacity on private property. Senate Bill 102 specifically allows home brewers to produce beer or wine without a liquor license, serve it on private property for personal consumption and to the brewer`s employees at home, and host events where their products are served. These events can take place on their own property, in a “fraternal organization” or in a small brewery, cellar or micro-distillery. or in a restaurant affiliated with one of these companies, subject to certain restrictions. Gov. Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 102 on Wednesday, an alcohol reform bill that changed everything from the legal age to serve alcohol to the number of signatures required to get a Sunday sales question on the ballot. Minors may drink alcoholic beverages if their parents, guardians or spouses are present at the drinking age. You can also do this for medical, religious or educational purposes. However, under Ohio`s alcohol laws, a parent cannot give alcohol to another minor who is not their child, even if the parent of the other minor consents. Among other things, the new law changes the rules for: Cities with fewer than 50,000 inhabitants can use 320 hectares as DORA in three locations, which can be clustered around a cluster of bars or restaurants with liquor licenses.
Big changes are coming in terms of alcohol service and sales in Ohio. Bill S.B 102, which will come into force on March 23, 2022, will make very welcome changes to the current liquor licensing requirements for restaurants, bars, hotels, home brewers, DORA and more! Former Gov. Bob Taft lifted Ohio`s ban on Sunday sales of Prohibition-era liquor in 2004, and the state`s municipalities have since voted to legalize the sale. Home brewers can also participate in private clubs where they can serve their products without a license, allowing them to share knowledge and get tasting opinions from fellow brewers. Restaurants, bars and distilleries can also host these club meetings. However, these commercial establishments must notify the liquor control department of the meeting in advance and suspend their own liquor license during the event. They must also clearly separate purchased alcohol from homebrew. The new law allows an 18-year-old, instead of 19, as the current law allows, to handle intoxicating beer and spirits in open containers as a waiter in a hotel, bar or restaurant.
Ohio`s liquor laws prohibit businesses from selling alcohol to anyone under the age of 21. You are also not allowed to distribute free festive drinks. Ohio Liquor Laws: Ohio Changes Craft Beer Laws and Lowers Age to Serve Alcohol For more information about Ohio`s liquor laws and how these changes may affect you, please contact the Graydon Alcohol and Licensing Group. Starting in 2021, the Chamber`s Bill 674 now allows the delivery of distilled spirits and spirits on any day of the week, provided only that the beverage is sold and delivered in its original packaging or packaging. The person receiving the delivery must be able to prove that they are 21 years of age or older. The law allows a political or nonprofit organization to donate beer, wine or spirits as fundraising prizes under certain conditions – without permission. The new Act authorizes the holder of a liquor retail licence or liquor store to sell beer or intoxicating spirits on Sundays during the same hours of operation during which the licensee or agency contract holder is authorized to sell these products from Monday to Sunday. Many liquor licensees in the state of Ohio may still require their employees to complete and pass the Ohio Safe Alcohol Sales training, also known as the Ohio Alcohol Server Knowledge (ASK) program. This short course teaches trainees about state laws governing the sale and consumption of alcohol. It also provides employees with the knowledge to protect themselves and the company from liability. Social media influence continues to grow, offering businesses plenty of free ways to promote their business.
Ohio`s updated law clarifies that liquor retailers, manufacturers, business marketers, attorneys and other vendors can use free social media services to promote brand advertising, beer, wine or spirits tastings, and communication about where products are located on-site. Restrictions on advertising to persons under the age of 21 and other restrictions in state and federal alcohol advertising laws. Gov. Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 102 late last year, which reforms Ohio`s liquor laws. The new laws will come into force on March 23, 2022. Regulations affecting restaurants and bars include an increase in permitted outdoor dining areas and a lower age limit for handling, selling and serving alcohol. The bill also clarifies the rules for social media advertising by the alcohol industry, expands Sunday alcohol sales, and establishes guidelines for alcohol auctions by nonprofit or political organizations. In addition, Ohio`s alcohol laws, which were previously silent on home brewing, now provide guidelines for the hobbyist. In general, under Ohio`s alcohol laws, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to purchase alcohol or attempt to purchase alcohol. The use of a false identity document is punishable. The new law eliminates a provision in the law that prohibits the use of more than 30% of a food or beverage gift card (restaurant gift card) for the purchase of beer or intoxicating spirits for consumption on the premises.
However, industry experts should understand that updates to Ohio`s liquor laws do not replace or overturn other federal and state laws. Advertising directed at persons under the age of 21 remains prohibited. Spirits can only be purchased at liquor stores, while beer and wine can be purchased from private retailers such as grocery stores, pharmacies and convenience stores. For example, the organization must submit prescriptions for alcohol to the Ohio Department of Liquor and the alcohol must be purchased at “an Ohio-based agency store.” “Can you imagine an exaggerated undercover idiot who would pay a landlord to hand out a hat to unemployed musicians?” Seitz asked his fellow deputies. “But as you heard from Rep. Boggs, it actually happened.” The blue laws effectively disappeared in 1973. Yet many communities across the state continue to restrict Sunday sales. After SB102 comes into effect, licensees allowing Sunday sales will no longer be subject to strict time restrictions. Instead, they can sell at the same hours that are open to them from Monday to Saturday.
Home brewers can now be sure that brewing beer at home without a license is legal.