01/25/2024

Ohio Division of Liquor Control Announces Temporary Permit Applications to Go Paperless This Spring

Find out what changes they are making

Beginning this spring, organizations applying for temporary liquor permits must do so exclusively online. Ohio’s liquor control laws contain a limited number of permit types that allow qualifying organizations to obtain temporary liquor permits for nonprofit purposes to sell or serve alcoholic beverages at limited functions.

Why Are We Making This Change?

The Ohio Division of Liquor Control is making this change to improve and enhance its licensing operations, which include the use of updated technology solutions. Last year, the division began requiring regular liquor permit holders to renew their annual permits via its online portal. In addition, the division transitioned its beer and wine label registration process to an online system. Since September 2020, temporary permit holders have had the option to apply online, with about 50 percent of applicants opting to use the online portal.

Over the last few months, the division has tried to make enhancements to the online portal to provide a better user experience while streamlining the application process. Moving this process online also will eliminate the risk of mail delays, provide users with additional payment options, and help to ensure users provide complete information during the application process, which will allow the Division to review and process applications more quickly, so your event stays on track.

How Can I Use the Portal?

To get started, you should create an account at https://lps.com.ohio.gov and follow the steps outlined. This resource allows you to submit any necessary documentation and use convenient payment methods such as credit cards and electronic debits safely and securely.

Temporary Permit Holder Reminders:

• Apply at least 30 days in advance of your event. This allows us adequate time to review your application and, for many temporary permits, determine your location’s wet/dry status.
• Different kinds of temporary permits have specific eligibility requirements and allow the permit holders different privileges, including what can be sold and for how many days.
• No temporary permit can be issued for the profit or gain of a business or individual.
• The temporary permit holder is responsible for any liquor permit violations that occur at the event. If you decide to have other groups/companies assist with running your event, it is your reputation and permit that are on the line.
• Whatever type of alcohol is permitted to be sold at your event it must be purchased legally. You can never buy products to sell at your event from a retail permit holder. High-proof spirits must be purchased from a contract liquor agency.

Temporary permit holders who set up their events in a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) will receive the DORA designation. This will allow patrons to take alcohol from the event permit premises into the DORA; however, drinks from other nearby liquor permit premises cannot be taken inside your event. Remember: The larger you make the temporary permit premises, the smaller the DORA is for other patrons to use.

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