Division of Liquor Control Highlights Permit Renewal Process Ahead of Upcoming Renewal Cycle

COLUMBUS, Ohio - With nearly one-third of Ohio's 28,000 liquor permits set to expire on Oct. 1, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Liquor Control is highlighting a key online resource to help ensure permit holders, local legislative authorities and the public are familiar with the permit renewal process.

Approximately 7,000 retail (Class C and D) liquor permits (i.e. bars and restaurants) located in the following northeast Ohio counties are set to expire on Oct. 1: Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, Summit and Trumbull.

For retail permit renewals, local legislative authorities, such as city councils and township trustees, have the right to object to the renewal of those permits in their jurisdiction. For any objections to be considered by the Division, local legislative bodies must postmark their objections by Tuesday, Sept. 2.

With that date quickly approaching, the Division is sharing information in advance to educate the public about the process and ensure they have time to voice any renewal-related concerns with their local legislative bodies. The Division's online Liquor Permit Renewal & Objection Overview resource addresses several commonly asked questions, such as:

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

"Liquor Control often involves local input, and we are committed to making the renewal process transparent and understandable for permit holders, local governments and the general public so they understand their role in this process," Division Superintendent Jackie DeGenova said.

For more information, visit com.ohio.gov/DOLC.

About the Division of Liquor Control<_o3a_p>

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 com.ohio.gov.