Deferred Ohio Liquor Permit Renewal Forms Are Coming

For those in the Ohio restaurant and hospitality industry, 2020 has been a troubling year to say at the least.  In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and state-mandated shutdown orders, the Ohio Division of Liquor Control developed accommodations to help the industry earlier this year, including a liquor buy-back program and an extension of unemployment benefits for laid off employees.

Another recent accommodation was the postponement of liquor permit renewal applications and renewal payments.  In September, the Division of Liquor Control announced that permits which were initially set to expire on either June 1^st, 2020 or October 1^st, 2020 were postponed to expire on December 1^st, 2020.  The Division Liquor Control will mail these updated renewal forms to permit holders on October 9^th, and the renewal forms will be due back to Liquor Control by November 13^th, 2020.

Although there is a grace period for late filings, Ohio liquor permit holders would be wise to submit their renewal forms completed with payment as soon as practicable.  Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on the Ohio restaurant industry, the Ohio Division of Liquor Control has been overwhelmed and overburdened in implementing new policies and changes to help the industry, which has resulted in significantly delayed processing times overall.  Therefore, one should expect delays and submit their renewal form as soon as possible in order to avoid a potential lapse of alcohol sales if their renewal is not approved by Liquor Control in time.

Please contact Graydon attorney James G. Niekamp with any questions.