Division of Liquor Control reminds temporary permit applicants of upcoming paperless transition

Spring is here and as the busy events season gets underway, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Liquor Control (DOLC) reminds organizations of its upcoming transition to a fully online application process for those who seek temporary liquor permits. The transition could take effect as early as April, with a more specific date being communicated in the coming weeks. The DOLC is being proactive in its communication since many of the groups that apply for these permits are nonprofit organizations that are currently planning various events.

“The Division has offered an online option to apply for a temporary liquor permit since September 2020, and moving to a fully electronic system will allow us to further streamline this process and improve our customer service,” said Paul Kulwinski, DOLC director of licensing and interim superintendent. “Transitioning to a paperless application process aligns with our goal to use technology to improve our licensing operations. By moving this process completely online, we can eliminate challenges such as mail delays and incomplete applications, and we can provide users with additional payment options. All of this means we can process applications faster, helping to keep organizations’ events on track.”

Kulwinski said the Division will work with temporary permit applicants to make the switch as seamless as possible.

“Although online will soon be the only option, we understand the importance of avoiding negative impacts to quickly approaching events,” he said.

In addition to preparing for a paperless transition, the Division offers nonprofit organizations the following reminders regarding temporary permits:

• It’s important to remember that different types of temporary permits have specific eligibility requirements and grant permit holders varying privileges, including the authorization to sell specific products for a designated period. Additionally, most temporary permits are subject to Ohio’s wet/ dry laws.

• To ensure there is enough time to process your application, including any wet/dry determinations, event organizers are encouraged to submit their application at least 30 days in advance of their event.

• Temporary permits cannot be issued for the profit or gain of a business or individual.

• A temporary permit holder assumes responsibility for any liquor permit violations that may occur during the event.

Should event organizers enlist the assistance of other groups or companies in running the event, it’s important to recognize their reputation and permit are at stake.

• All alcohol permitted to be sold at the event must be acquired legally. It is strictly prohibited to purchase products for sale at the event from a retail permit holder. Notably, high-proof spirits must be purchased wholesale from a Contract Liquor Agency (OHLQ location) to ensure regulatory compliance.

• For events set up in a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA), temporary permit holders will receive the DORA designation, enabling patrons to carry alcohol from the event permit premises into the DORA. However, beverages from other nearby liquor permit premises cannot be brought into the event.

• For events with a temporary liquor permit that are located within a DORA, it’s important to remember the larger the event premises boundaries are, the smaller the DORA is for other patrons to use.

For comprehensive information on temporary event permits, eligibility requirements, and privileges, please visit com.ohio.gov/temporarypermits.