Ohio Alcohol Laws

Whether you’re grabbing a drink with friends, running a bar, or ordering alcohol for home delivery, it’s essential to understand the laws that govern alcohol in Ohio. From legal drinking age and sales hours to open-container restrictions and DUI penalties, the state has detailed rules designed to promote safety and responsibility. In this guide, we’ll break down key regulations around buying, selling, delivering, and consuming alcohol in Ohio, plus the consequences for breaking them. Whether you’re a resident, business owner, or just visiting, this blog will help you stay informed and on the right side of the law.

Ohio Alcohol Laws: 5 Regulations You Should Know

Here are the 5 Ohio alcohol laws you should know:

1. Legal Drinking Age

Ohio’s legal drinking age is 21, which aligns with the national standard. However, there are a few exceptions to this law, including the following:

• A minor can legally consume alcohol in the physical presence of their parent, legal guardian, or spouse who is over 21 years old. 
• Alcohol can be consumed by those under 21 if it’s part of a recognized religious service, or
• The alcohol has been prescribed for medical treatment by a healthcare professional.

Penalties for Drinking Underage in Ohio

If you’re caught purchasing or drinking alcohol underage (unless you meet the abovementioned requirements), there could be significant consequences. If you’re under 18 and in possession of alcohol, you could face up to a $250 fine and/or up to 30 days in jail. If you are 18–21, the fine could be up to $1,000 and up to 6 months in prison. You could also face license suspension if the violation happened while driving a car.

2. Ohio Alcohol Driving Laws

The legal limit for DUI in Ohio is 0.08% Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC). If you test over that, you’ll be charged with an OVI. If you test over 0.17% BAC, you’ll be subjected to additional DUI penalties. For commercial drivers, there is a stricter BAC limit of 0.04%, aligning with the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act to ensure nationwide compliance. Ohio’s Zero Tolerance Law sets a 0.02% BAC limit for drivers under 21 to deter underage drinking and reduce risky behavior among young people. 

Under the Ohio Revised Code Section 4301.62, it’s illegal for drivers or passengers to have an open container of alcohol in the vehicle on public roads, whether it’s in motion or parked. Exceptions are in place for specific vehicles, including limousines or party buses, as long as alcohol is consumed in designated areas and the driver remains sober. 

Penalties for Violating Ohio’s Alcohol Driving Laws

Ohio’s penalties for alcohol-related driving violations range, depending on what law you’re breaking. For those who test over the 0.08% BAC limit, first offenses can result in a license suspension of 90 days to a year. Penalties include at least six points added to your license and a $375–$1,075 fine. Repeat violations can face longer ID suspensions, potential jail time of 10 days to six months, higher fines, and you could be required to install an ignition interlock device (IID). Drivers who test over a BAC of 0.17% face harsher penalties, including jail sentences, larger fines, and IID installation. The penalty for minors driving with a BAC of 0.02% or higher is a minimum of a $250 fine, up to 30 days in jail, or both. Four points will be added to your driver’s license, and your license will be suspended for 90 days to 5 years. 

• Read about DUIs and OVIs in Ohio to learn how to protect yourself. 

Ohio’s open container laws are considered a minor misdemeanor, and violators face a fine of up to $150. However, if the driver is under the influence while also having an open container of alcohol, additional DUI charges will apply. 

Are you facing DUI or OVI charges in Ohio? Talk to our Columbus-based DUI/OVI attorneys to know your rights. We provide personalized services, 24/7 availability, and careful attention to your case, ensuring you receive the least penalties possible. 

3. Ohio Alcohol Laws on Sunday

Ohio’s alcohol laws include specific hours and days when it can be sold. 

• Bars and restaurants can serve alcohol from 5:30 AM to 2:30 AM
• Retailers selling off-premises consumption can do so from 5:30 AM to 1:00 AM
• Statewide, last call is 2 AM, but specific cities (e.g., Columbus, Cleveland) might allow 2:30 AM with special licenses

The most important thing to note is Ohio’s alcohol laws on Sundays. Sunday alcohol sales require a specific permit; without one, businesses cannot sell alcohol on Sundays. With a D-6 permit for on-sale premises sales or a C-1, C-2, or C-2X permit for off-premises sales, alcohol can be sold on Sunday from 10:00 AM until 12:00 AM. In some areas, a positive local option vote is required for businesses to sell alcohol on Sundays. 

Penalties for Violating Ohio’s Alcohol Laws on Sundays

Sentences.

4. Ohio Boating Alcohol Laws

Just like driving, the 0.08% BAC standard for those 21 and over and the 0.02% BAC level for those under 21 apply to boating operators. If complaints are given to law enforcement, they’ll conduct an official Boating Under the Influence (BUI) investigation. This usually includes an officer interacting with the boater and looking for clues that the boater is intoxicated. Clues include: the condition of the driver’s eye, the odor of alcohol, slurred speech, level of coordination, and more.

Consequences for Violating Ohio’s Boating Alcohol Laws

BUI is classified as a first-degree misdemeanor, and the individual convicted of one will face up to 6 months in jail, a fine up to $1,000, and up to 5 years of probation. A first-time offender will face a mandatory jail sentence of up to 3 days and a fine of at least $150. For someone who’s been convicted of a BUI or a DUI/OVI, the minimum penalties for a BUI conviction are more intense. Someone convicted of a second BUI offense within 10 years will face a jail sentence of 10 days. For a third offense within 10 years, the person will face a jail sentence of 30 days. Repeat offenders may be included on a list of habitual DUI violations. 

5. Ohio Alcohol Delivery Laws

In 2021, House Bill 674 was passed, which made alcohol delivery permissible seven days a week, including holidays, as long as the drink remains in its original container. The specific hours of delivery are subject to certain restrictions, with a general rule that alcohol can’t be delivered between 1:00 AM and 5:30 AM Monday–Saturday, and between 1:00 AM on Sunday and midnight on Sunday. Certain permit holders (like D-5A, D-5, etc.) have exceptions, allowing them to deliver during these times. The individual receiving the alcoholic beverage (and giving it) must be at least 21 years of age. An H permit is required to transport alcohol within Ohio. Ohio allows direct shipment of wine and beer to consumers by licensed wineries and brewers with S-1 and S-2 permits. Beer or wine must be shipped in a package with the words “alcohol enclosed” in bold print. 

What Happens if You Violate Ohio’s Alcohol Delivery Laws?

Violating Ohio’s alcohol delivery laws can lead to serious consequences. Businesses may face fines, suspension, or revocation of their liquor license for delivering without a proper permit, outside legal hours, or failing to check ID. Delivering alcohol to a minor or intoxicated person is a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Even transporting open containers can result in a $150 fine. Repeat offenses may lead to harsher penalties and potential civil liability if harm occurs.

Additional Ohio Alcohol Laws

There are a few other laws you should know about the sale and consumption of alcohol in Ohio: 

• Consumption & Open‑Container Rules: Ohio prohibits open containers of alcohol in public spaces and vehicles (except limited exceptions like chauffeurs or sealed bottles in trunks). Possession is a minor misdemeanor, and a fine (up to $150) applies. If someone actually consumes alcohol inside a vehicle, it escalates to a fourth-degree misdemeanor—up to 30 days in jail and a $250 fine. Under-18s face additional penalties, like license suspension for up to a year. 
• Zoning & Local Restrictions: Holistically, Ohio requires licensed alcohol establishments to meet local zoning rules, typically maintaining minimum distances from schools, churches, parks, and other sensitive sites. Noncompliance may result in the denial of a license or future permit revocation. Municipalities can adopt stricter local “dry area” or hours limits under local‑option laws; violations here can trigger administrative enforcement, cost businesses their permit, and even lead to legal challenges. 
• Licensing & Compliance Updates: As of June 2025, Ohio’s Division of Liquor Control launched OPAL, a fully digital portal to manage licensing applications, renewals, transfers, and payments, which are now entirely online. Licensed venues are subject to routine inspections by the OHIO Investigative Unit and local authorities. Failing a compliance check—such as permitting underage sales, over‑service, or violating delivery rules—can result in fines, temporary suspension, or outright revocation of permits. 

Know Your Rights With Jay Perez Law

Ohio’s alcohol laws are complex, covering everything from delivery and open-container rules to OVI penalties and boating laws. Whether you’re a consumer, business owner, or delivery driver, staying informed is key to avoiding costly fines and legal trouble. 

If you or someone you know is facing charges related to drinking and driving, Jay Perez Law, a trusted DUI/OVI attorney based in Columbus, can provide experienced, expert-level legal guidance and help protect your rights. Contact us to learn how we can help you today!