CINCINNATI — It just got a lot easier for people to get their favorite alcoholic beverage to go in the state of Ohio.
Governor Mike DeWine announced on Tuesday that he approved an emergency rule passed by the Ohio Liquor Control Commission 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.”
Under the new rule that took effect immediately, people can purchase two, prepackaged drinks per meal from any restaurant in Ohio.
DeWine stated beyondthe two-drink-per-meal limitation that “all drinks must be closed and remain closed during transport as per open container law.”
Under the rule, patrons can purchase two, prepackaged drinks per meal. All drinks must be closed and remain closed during transport as per open container law.
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) April 7, 2020
The change broadens the types of establishments and alcohol that can be sold for carryout. Ohio typically requires bars, restaurants and breweries to hold additional permits to sell prepackaged beverages for private consumption.
The new rule will allow bars and restaurants to sell pre-mixed drinks such as margaritas and other cocktails as long as the container they are sold in is sealed at the point of purchase
