Ohio Beer Buying Hours: When Can I Buy?

In Ohio, the sale of alcohol is regulated by the state's Division of Liquor Control. Generally, liquor stores, supermarkets, and convenience stores can sell alcohol from Monday to Saturday between 5:30 a.m. and 1:00 a.m. or 2:30 a.m., depending on the type of permit held by the retailer. On Sundays, alcohol sales are permitted from 10:00 a.m. until midnight, with some areas allowing sales from 5:30 a.m. and others requiring a special permit for Sunday sales.

Monday to Saturday sales hours

In Ohio, the sale of alcohol is regulated by the state's Division of Liquor Control. Generally, liquor stores, supermarkets, and convenience stores can sell alcohol from Monday to Saturday between the hours of 5:30 a.m. and 1:00 a.m. or 2:30 a.m., depending on the type of permit the establishment holds.

Permit holders in Class 1, which includes 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, and D-3 (when issued without a D-3A, D-3X, D-4, D-5H, D-5K, or D-8), can sell alcoholic beverages from 5:30 a.m. until 1:00 a.m. During these hours, individuals can also consume beer, wine, distilled spirits, and mixed beverages.

Permit holders in Class 2, which includes 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), can sell alcoholic beverages from 5:30 a.m. until 2:30 a.m. However, purchases of alcohol during the extended hours of 1:00 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. can only be made from bars, restaurants, and hotels with Class 2 permits.

It is important to note that these are the general guidelines set by the state, and individual cities and municipalities in Ohio may have their own specific regulations that further restrict or extend alcohol sale hours. Therefore, it is always advisable to check with local authorities or specific establishments for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Sunday sales hours

In Ohio, the sale of alcohol is regulated by the state's Division of Liquor Control. The specific hours during which alcohol can be sold on Sundays may vary depending on local regulations and the type of establishment.

According to Ohio Liquor Law, retailers must obtain a license specifically permitting Sunday sales. Sunday sales of alcoholic beverages can only commence between 5:30 a.m. and must end at midnight. The permitted hours of sale on Sundays are determined within the timeframe specified by the permit.

For example, those with a Class 1 permit can sell alcoholic beverages from 5:30 a.m. until 1:00 a.m. on Sundays. On the other hand, those with a Class 2 permit can sell alcoholic beverages from 5:30 a.m. until 2:30 a.m. on Sundays.

It's important to note that some areas or stores might have additional restrictions on the hours during which alcohol sales are permitted on Sundays. Therefore, it is advisable to check with the local authorities or individual retailers for the most accurate information regarding Sunday sales hours in Ohio.

Class 1 and Class 2 permits

In Ohio, the sale of alcohol is regulated by the state's Division of Liquor Control. The specific hours during which alcohol can be sold vary depending on the type of establishment, the day of the week, and local regulations. Here is an overview of the Class 1 and Class 2 permits for alcohol sales in Ohio:

Class 1 Permit:

Class 1 permits are held by retailers such as bars, restaurants, hotels, grocery stores, gas stations, breweries, taprooms, package stores, and liquor stores. With a Class 1 permit, alcohol can be sold from 5:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, alcohol sales are permitted from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 a.m. with a special permit. Individuals with a Class 1 permit can also deliver alcoholic beverages during the specified hours.

Class 2 Permit:

Class 2 permits are typically held by bars, restaurants, and hotels. With a Class 2 permit, alcohol can be sold from 5:30 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, alcohol sales are not allowed unless the retailer obtains a valid permit. Class 2 permit holders can also deliver alcoholic beverages during the specified hours.

It is important to note that these are the general guidelines set by the state, and individual cities and municipalities in Ohio may have their own specific regulations that further restrict or extend alcohol sale hours. Additionally, there may be additional restrictions during certain holidays or events.

History of Alcohol Sales in Ohio:

Ohio has a history of regulating alcohol sales, including periods of prohibition. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Ohio implemented Blue Laws, which banned alcohol sales on Sundays. Eventually, the government allowed sales after 1:00 p.m. on Sundays, and in 2000, alcohol sales were permitted in sports arenas starting at 11:00 a.m.

COVID-19 Impact:

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the Ohio Liquor Control Commission passed an emergency rule to limit the hours for bars and restaurants to serve alcohol. This rule was later replaced by a curfew from 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. On February 11, 2021, all restrictions were lifted, and alcohol sales returned to normal.

Sunday sales restrictions

Beer

Beer can be sold on Sundays in Ohio at any time, as long as the retailer has the required license.

Wine

Wine sales on Sundays are permitted from 5:30 a.m. until midnight, but some sources suggest that wine sales may commence at 9:00 a.m. or 10:01 a.m. on Sundays.

Liquor

Liquor sales on Sundays are not allowed in Ohio unless the retailer has obtained a special permit. If authorized, liquor sales can take place from 5:30 a.m. to midnight on Sundays. Some sources suggest that liquor sales may commence at 10:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. on Sundays.

Class 1 Permit Holders

Retailers with a Class 1 permit can sell alcoholic beverages from 5:30 a.m. until 1:00 a.m. on Sundays.

Class 2 Permit Holders

Retailers with a Class 2 permit can sell alcoholic beverages from 5:30 a.m. until 2:30 a.m. on Sundays.

It is important to note that these are the general guidelines set by the state, and individual cities and municipalities in Ohio may have their own specific regulations that further restrict or extend alcohol sale hours on Sundays.

Liquor laws and COVID-19

In Ohio, the sale of distilled spirits is controlled by the local government. In July 2020, the Ohio Liquor Control Commission passed an emergency rule to limit how late bars could stay open while also making provisions to support off-premise sales. The new rule required bars and restaurants to stop serving alcohol at 10 pm, with customers given until 11 pm to finish their drinks. The order expired in November 2020 and was replaced by a curfew from 11 pm to 5 am. On February 11, 2021, all restrictions were lifted, and alcohol sales in Ohio returned to normal.

The COVID-19 pandemic drastically altered the sale and consumption of alcohol across the United States. Many states implemented stay-at-home orders, leading to the closure of bars and restaurants for in-person dining. This prompted discussions on whether liquor stores should be considered essential businesses. States took different approaches, with some allowing alcohol to-go and delivery services, while others, like Pennsylvania, initially closed all liquor stores.

The National Restaurant Association noted in March 2020 that the pandemic could result in restaurants losing $225 billion in sales over three months, translating to a loss of five to seven million jobs. The restrictions on in-person dining also significantly impacted on-premise alcohol sales. However, some states, such as Texas, Florida, and Missouri, introduced provisions to boost alcohol sales and support the hospitality industry. These included allowing alcohol to-go and delivery services and extending alcohol sales hours. As a result, there has been a push to make some of these provisions permanent, with states recognizing their popularity and potential for economic growth.

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