Deadlines Approaching for February Liquor Permit Renewals

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Nearly one-third of Ohio's 28,000 liquor permits are set to expire on Feb. 1, 2026. As that date approaches, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Liquor Control (DOLC) is highlighting an online resource that explains the renewal process and the ability for public input.<_u13a_p>

On Feb. 1, approximately 8,000 retail (Class C and D) liquor permits (i.e. carryout locations and bars and restaurants) located in the following Ohio counties will expire: Ashland, Athens, Belmont, Carroll, Columbiana, Coshocton, Crawford, Delaware, Erie, Fairfield, Franklin, Gallia, Guernsey, Harrison, Hocking, Holmes, Huron, Jackson, Jefferson, Knox, Lawrence, Licking, Madison, Mahoning, Marion, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Morrow, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, Pickaway, Pike, Richland, Ross, Scioto, Seneca, Stark, Tuscarawas, Union, Vinton, Washington, Wayne, and Wyandot.<_u13a_p>

Local legislative authorities, such as city councils, county commissioners, and township trustees have the right to object to the renewal of only retail liquor permits in their jurisdiction. However, the objections must be postmarked by Jan. 2, 2026, in order for them to be considered by DOLC. <_u13a_p>

DOLC's Liquor Permit Renewal & Objection Overview guide, which explains these processes and other related items, is available at com.ohio.gov/LiquorPermitRenewal. The Division's resource also answers a number of commonly asked questions about the permit renewal process, such as:<_u13a_p>

• When are liquor permits renewed?<_u13a_p>
• What happens if a permit holder doesn't renew their permit in a timely manner?<_u13a_p>
• What is the Liquor Control Commission?<_u13a_p>
• What is the objection process and how does it impact permit renewals?<_u13a_p>
• Are other state agencies involved with the renewal and objection process?<_u13a_p>

Reminder for Permit Holders on Impact of New Licensing System<_u13a_p>

Permit holders can expect to see some changes when renewing their permits this year. The launch of the Ohio Permit and Liquor Licensing (OPAL) system last June resulted in changes that impact new permit applications, businesses applying for permit renewals, and organizations applying for temporary liquor permits. <_u13a_p>

In order to proceed with any of the above processes, the Division reminds all permit holders that they must first create a business account on OHID platform. This helps to ensure a more secure and private experience during online interactions with any state of Ohio programs and offers convenient 24/7 access to the new system. The new fully paperless system replaces previous paper-based processes and any prior online systems that were used. Paper applications and mailed checks are no longer accepted.<_u13a_p>

"This new technology has allowed us to modernize and streamline our operations," Division Superintendent Jackie DeGenova said. "Switching to a paperless experience has allowed us to align the Division's operations with industry standards and strengthen confidence in the regulatory process."<_u13a_p>

Learn more about the new system at com.ohio.gov/OPAL.<_u13a_p>

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About the Division of Liquor Control
The Division of Liquor Control is part of the Ohio Department of Commerce. The Department is Ohio's chief regulatory agency, focused on promoting prosperity and protecting what matters most to Ohioans. We ensure businesses follow the laws that help them create jobs and keep Ohioans safe. To learn more about what we do, visit our website at https://com.ohio.gov.