Is alcohol legal in Ohio?

Q: Is alcohol legal in Ohio?

Alcohol in Ohio is legal only under specific conditions. Ohio is a control state for spirits: high-proof spirituous liquor over 21% alcohol by volume is sold only through state-contracted agency stores, which are often inside grocery and other private stores, while beer, wine and low-proof spirits are sold in grocery and convenience stores.

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OHIO · ALCOHOL

Alcohol

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Conditional: Ohio is a control state for spirits: high-proof spirituous liquor over 21% alcohol by volume is sold only through state-contracted agency stores, which are often inside grocery and other private stores, while beer, wine and low-proof spirits are sold in grocery and convenience stores.

Conditional

Summary

Ohio is a control state for spirits: high-proof spirituous liquor over 21% alcohol by volume is sold only through state-contracted agency stores, which are often inside grocery and other private stores, while beer, wine and low-proof spirits are sold in grocery and convenience stores.

Source: com.ohio.gov → · Updated July 23, 2026

Ohio Alcohol topics

DUI / DWI Limits in Ohio →Info
In Ohio an OVI is 0.08% blood alcohol or higher for adults 21 and older (per se), the limit for drivers under 21 is 0.02%, and commercial drivers are limited to 0.04.
Open Container Law in Ohio →Restricted
Ohio prohibits an open container of beer or intoxicating liquor in a motor vehicle on a public road, for the driver and for passengers, with limited exceptions such as passengers in a chauffeured limousine (ORC 4301.62).
Sunday Alcohol Sales in Ohio →Conditional
Ohio allows Sunday sales only with a Sunday (D-6) permit and, where required, local approval.
Last Call Hours in Ohio →Conditional
In Ohio, standard on-premises permits allow sales to 1 a.m., and the common extended-hours permit allows 2:30 a.m. Municipalities may set earlier closings but cannot extend past the state cap.
Beer & Wine in Grocery Stores in Ohio →Permitted
In Ohio, groceries and convenience stores sell beer in sealed containers (a C-1 permit) and wine plus mixed beverages of up to 21% alcohol by volume (C-2), while spirits come from state contract agency stores.
Where to Buy Alcohol in Ohio →Conditional
Ohio is a control state for spirits: high-proof spirituous liquor over 21% alcohol by volume is sold only through state-contracted agency stores, which are often inside grocery and other private stores, while beer, wine and low-proof spirits are sold in grocery and convenience stores.

Other Ohio laws

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