Ohio bars, restaurants, breweries can now sell booze to go

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced Tuesday that bars, restaurants and breweries with an existing permit can now sell alcohol to go with carryout or delivery orders.

In a release, DeWine said the Ohio Liquor Control Commission passed an emergency rule to allow establishments with an existing on-premises liquor permit to sell and deliver alcohol, including high-proof liquor in limited quantity, for off-premises consumption.

A release from DeWine said breweries can also now sell beer and wine that are not their own without food purchase, but food purchase is required for the sale of high-proof liquor.

“Under the rule, patrons can purchase no more than two drinks per meal,” the release said. “All drinks must be closed and remain closed during transport as per the open container law cited in ORC 4301.01(B)(6). Drinks cannot contain more than two ounces of spirituous liquor per container.”

DeWine’s release said the rule will remain in effect for up to 120 days unless rescinded by the Liquor Control Commission, whichever occurs first.

“Similar emergency rulings have been enacted recently in other states, such as New York and Texas, to provide some financial relief to restaurants and bars that have had to close their dining rooms to contain the spread of COVID-19,” the release said.