Renewal Process for Liquor Permits
Published: Feb 05, 2024 by Monica FusterHow often do I have to renewal my liquor permit?
Liquor permits must be renewed annually. There are three renewal cycles. Therefore, if you are a permit holder, it is important to know which renewal cycle applies to your permit.[1]
Can my renewal application be denied?
Yes, the Division of Liquor Control is entitled to reject a renewal application under Ohio Revised Code 4303.271.
However, the standard of review favors the permit holder. Pursuant to R.C. 4303.271(A), the Division of Liquor Control “shall renew the permit unless the division rejects for good cause.”
In addition, R.C. 4303.271(B) allows for political subdivision objection to the renewal. This means, for example, that the city in which the permit premises is located may object to the renewal of a permit. In its objection, the objector may cite any of the reasons found R.C. 4303.292(A). This includes reasons related to the permit holder (for example, “has been convicted of any crime that relates to fitness to operate a liquor establishment”) and reasons related to the permit location (for example, “has been declared a nuisance”).
If the Division of Liquor rejects your renewal application, that rejection is subject to the renewal applicant’s appeal rights. If your renewal application is rejected, you have a right to appeal the decision to the Ohio Liquor Control Commission.
If you find yourself or your business in this situation, you must be sure to follow the proper procedure and time requirements when filing your appeal – or you risk losing your appeal rights.
February 2023-2024 permits expired on February 1, 2024 – Now What?
District 1, consisting of Central and Eastern Ohio, had a renewal deadline of February 1, 2024. If you missed the renewal deadline, it may not be too late.
If you missed the renewal deadline or need assistance appealing the rejection of your renewal application, you should consider contacting one of the attorneys at Graff & McGovern, LPA. Attorney Monica J. Fuster can be reached at monica@grafflaw.com or (614) 228-5800 ext. 5.
[1] The Renewal District map can be found here: https://com.ohio.gov/wps/wcm/connect/gov/0231bc76-c7e4-40a8-ac3d-03a4f14be054/LIQR_RenewalDistricts.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CONVERT_TO=url&CACHEID=ROOTWORKSPACE.Z18_79GCH8013HMOA06A2E16IV2082-0231bc76-c7e4-40a8-ac3d-03a4f14be054-oCNnFMl