Ohio's Christmas Beer Buying: What's Allowed?

Many US states maintain Prohibition-era laws that ban the sale of alcohol on Sundays and certain holidays. Ohio is one of the states that generally ban the sale of liquor on Christmas Day. The Ohio Division of Liquor Control (DLC) has held a policy of remaining closed on Christmas Day. However, it is important to note that individual counties and municipalities in Ohio may have their own regulations that impact the sale of alcohol, including on Christmas Day.

Ohio's Christmas Day alcohol sales ban

Ohio is one of the many states in the U.S. that bans alcohol sales on Christmas Day. This ban is a result of Prohibition-era laws that prohibited the sale of liquor on Sundays and certain holidays. While the specific laws vary by state, Ohio's Christmas Day alcohol sales ban is enforced by the state's Division of Liquor Control (DLC), which generally keeps its stores closed on Christmas.

The DLC is responsible for regulating the sale of alcoholic beverages in Ohio, including beer, wine, mixed beverages, and spirituous liquor. While the exact hours may vary depending on the type of establishment and the day of the week, alcohol sales in Ohio typically occur within the following timeframe:

• Monday to Saturday: 5:30 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. the following day
• Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. with a special permit

It is worth noting that Ohio has what is known as "dram shop" laws, which hold establishments liable for any injuries or damages caused by serving alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals or minors. These laws further emphasize the state's commitment to the responsible service of alcohol.

While the Christmas Day alcohol sales ban may be inconvenient for some, it is part of a larger effort to promote responsible drinking and public safety. It is important for residents and visitors in Ohio to plan ahead and stock up on alcoholic beverages before the holiday to avoid any disappointment or legal issues.

Sunday alcohol sales in Ohio

In Ohio, the sale of alcohol is regulated by state laws, which vary depending on the type of establishment and the day of the week.

On Sundays, the sale of alcohol is permitted from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 a.m. with a special permit, depending on the location. This applies to various establishments, including liquor stores, supermarkets, and other authorised retailers. However, Sunday liquor sales are prohibited unless the retailer obtains a valid permit. Authorized Sunday sales can only take place from 5:30 a.m. to midnight.

The hours on Sunday during which alcohol sales are allowed are established by statute and can vary by county. Some counties may have additional restrictions on Sunday sales or during certain holidays. For example, in Columbus, Ohio, alcohol sales are not permitted until after 11:00 a.m. on Sundays, presumably to account for church services.

The specific regulations for Sunday alcohol sales in Ohio are outlined in the Ohio Administrative Code, Rule 4301:1-1-49. This rule applies to the retail sale of beer, wine, mixed beverages, or spirituous liquor. The rule specifies the hours during which alcohol sales are prohibited, which are from 1:00 a.m. to 5:30 a.m. on Sundays, unless statutorily authorized otherwise.

It's important to note that Ohio has detailed and comprehensive liquor laws, and non-compliance can result in legal issues. These laws include regulations on the minimum age requirements for consuming, selling, and serving alcohol, as well as licensing and permitting requirements for establishments and individuals involved in the sale and service of alcohol.

Ohio's liquor laws

Days and Hours of Sale:

• Monday to Saturday: Alcohol sales are generally permitted from 5:30 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. the following day.
• Sunday: Alcohol sales are more restricted. With a special permit, sales are allowed from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
• Christmas Day: Ohio has been known to close its state-run liquor stores on Christmas Day in previous years. However, this may vary by county, and some counties may allow alcohol sales after a certain time, such as 12:30 p.m. in Georgia.

Age Restrictions:

• The legal drinking age in Ohio is 21 years old. It is illegal for anyone under this age to purchase or consume alcohol.
• Individuals under 19 years old are prohibited from selling beer.
• Individuals under 21 years old cannot sell wine, distilled spirits, or mixed beverages across a bar.
• Individuals under 18 years old are not allowed to serve, handle, or sell intoxicating liquor or beer.

Permits and Licenses:

• Businesses selling alcoholic beverages, such as bars, restaurants, and liquor stores, must obtain the appropriate permits and licenses from the Ohio Division of Liquor Control.
• Different types of permits exist, such as Class 1 and Class 2, which dictate the specific hours during which alcohol can be sold and purchased.
• To sell beer on Sundays, stores are required to obtain a license specifically permitting Sunday sales.

Other Restrictions:

• Permit holders are prohibited from selling alcoholic beverages to individuals showing signs of intoxication.
• "Happy Hour" drink specials must end before 9:00 p.m.
• Driving under the influence (DUI) laws are strictly enforced, with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08%.
• Ohio has "dram shop" laws, holding establishments liable for injuries or damages caused by serving alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals or minors.

Ohio's drinking age

Ohio is one of the many states in the U.S. that does not allow the sale of alcohol on Christmas Day. This is due to Prohibition-era laws that are still in place, which ban the sale of liquor on Sundays and certain holidays.

In Ohio, the legal drinking age is 21 years old, and it is illegal for anyone under this age to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages. This is in line with the National Minimum Drinking Age Act, passed by Congress in 1984, which required states to raise their drinking age limit to 21 by October 1986 or lose 10% of their federal highway funds.

Ohio state law does allow for parents or spouses over the age of 21 to provide alcohol to their children or underage spouse, under certain circumstances. For a parent to consent for a minor to consume alcohol, the parent must be physically present with the minor and supervising them at all times. The parent assumes all responsibility and consequences should the minor cause damage or injury. Restaurants and bars are legally allowed to serve alcoholic beverages to parents, knowing that it will be consumed by a minor, but they are also allowed to refuse to do so.

The consequences of drinking under the age of 21 without parental or spousal consent include being charged with underage drinking, which may result in a fine, suspension of a driver's license or permit, and mandatory enrollment in a drug and alcohol diversion program. If the intoxicated minor is driving, the maximum blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is much lower at 0.02. If the BAC of a minor is above 0.02 but less than 0.08, they can be charged with Operating Vehicle After Underage Consumption (OVUAC). If the BAC of a minor is above 0.08, they will be charged as an adult with an OVI, which is a more serious offense.

Ohio's alcohol sale timings

Alcohol sales in Ohio are subject to various regulations, with specific timings depending on the day of the week and the type of establishment. Here is an overview of the permitted alcohol sale timings in the state:

Monday to Saturday

On Mondays through Saturdays, alcohol can generally be purchased from 5:30 am to 2:30 am the following day. This timing applies to most establishments, including liquor stores, supermarkets, and convenience stores.

Sunday

The sale of alcohol on Sundays in Ohio is more restricted and requires a special permit. With the necessary permit, alcohol sales are permitted from 10:00 am until 1:00 am on Sunday. This applies to various establishments, including liquor stores, supermarkets, and other authorised retailers.

Christmas

Ohio is one of the states that generally ban alcohol sales on Christmas Day. In previous years, the Ohio Division of Liquor Control has maintained a policy of remaining closed on Christmas. However, individual counties within Ohio may have their own regulations, and it is worth checking the rules in your specific area.

Other Holidays

Ohio also restricts alcohol sales on certain other holidays, such as New Year's Day and Thanksgiving. The state-run liquor stores are typically closed on these days, but grocery and convenience stores may still sell beer and wine.

It is important to note that Ohio's alcohol regulations can vary across different counties and municipalities. While the timings mentioned above serve as general guidelines, local jurisdictions may have additional restrictions or extensions for alcohol sale hours, especially during holidays or special events.

Frequently asked questions