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Ohio

Responsible Alcohol Management Regulations

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Written by Certivance
Updated this week

Disclaimer:

We're not lawyers—just friendly helpers! 🍻 This document isn’t intended to serve as legal advice. Alcohol laws are like recipes—every city, county, and state has its own unique regulations. For the most accurate guidance on local rules, reach out to your state liquor control board (they're the real experts here). While Certivance provides resources and keeps an eye on state-level regulations, always double-check with your local authorities—because even the best need a second opinion! 😉

Regulatory Contacts:

Ohio Liquor Control Commission

77 S High Street

Columbus, OH 43215

Phone

614-466-3132

Website:

Service Facts:

Legal Drinking Age

21

Age to Consume

21

Service to Minors

No

Employment of Minors

Yes

Age to Serve

19 - to serve beer and wine across the bar

Age to Sell

21 - for Spirits

19 - for Beer or Wine

Age to Pour

21 - for Spirits

19 - for Beer or Wine

Age to Sell Packaged Alcohol

18

State Training Program:

In Ohio, the Alcohol Server Knowledge Program (ASK) is an educational initiative developed by the Ohio Investigative Unit to inform individuals involved in the sale and handling of alcohol about the state's liquor laws and regulations. The program emphasizes the responsibilities and risks associated with alcohol service, aiming to promote responsible practices among alcohol servers and sellers.

While Ohio law does not mandate alcohol server training, the Ohio Liquor Control Commission considers whether a permit holder and their employees have successfully completed an approved alcohol server training program when determining penalties for violations. This consideration can influence decisions regarding the suspension or revocation of a permit and may affect the option to pay a fine instead of facing a suspension.

To assist establishments in meeting these considerations, several approved training programs are available:

  • Alcohol Server Knowledge Program (ASK): Offered by the Ohio Investigative Unit, ASK provides in-person training sessions focusing on Ohio's liquor laws and responsible alcohol service practices.

  • Online Training Courses: Various online platforms offer alcohol server training courses tailored to Ohio's regulations. These courses cover topics such as recognizing signs of intoxication, understanding dram shop laws, and preventing underage sales.

By participating in these training programs, alcohol-serving establishments demonstrate a commitment to responsible service and compliance with state laws. This proactive approach not only helps prevent violations but also serves as a mitigating factor in the event of an infraction, potentially leading to reduced penalties and fostering a safer environment for both patrons and staff.

State Program Facts:

Program Type

Voluntary

Training Requirements

Recommended for Servers & Managers

Certification Expiration

3 Years

Other Links:

Ready to elevate your skills? Enroll in our state-approved Certified Alcohol Training course today and start your journey toward mastering responsible alcohol service and ensuring compliance! 🍻🎓

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