How to apply for a liquor license in Columbus, Ohio?

Jan 11, 2024 | 2 min read

Applying for a liquor license in Columbus, OH, involves several steps. First, you need to fill out the Application for New Alcoholic Beverage Permit form, which can be found on the Ohio Department of Commerce website. The permits you can apply for are subject to the traditional, population-based quota. There are several types of permits, including C-1, C-2, D-1, D-2, D-3, D-3A, and D-5, each allowing different types of alcohol sales at different times. For more detailed information, you may consult the Ohio Department of Commerce website

Once you've completed the application, including the proper fees and any additional documents, you need to submit it. The processing of your application may take at least three weeks and involves several steps such as sending local legislative notices, notifying institutions within 500 feet of your proposed location, conducting an inspection of your proposed location, providing your local law enforcement agency a copy of your personal history background form, contacting your county board of elections to determine your location’s ward and precinct history, and possibly requesting additional documents from you. It's important to submit as much information upfront as you can, respond timely to requests, and not wait until the last minute to apply. You can check your assigned permit number by searching at com.ohio.gov/liquorinfo.

Remember, the application must be fully and legibly completed, including answering all required questions, paying all the required fees, and submitting any additional required forms. You may also need additional documents like financial verification, entity disclosure forms, personal history background forms, purchase agreements, or verification of tenancy before your permit can be issued. It's strongly encouraged to send these required forms with your application or as soon as possible. For any questions, contact fileinquiry@com.ohio.gov.

Learn More About Columbus

Jan 11, 2024 | 2 min read

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