Ohio Division of Liquor Control reminds organizations of alcohol rules for upcoming charitable fundraisers
As the season of giving approaches, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Liquor Control is making it easier for nonprofit organizations to stay compliant with Ohio liquor laws. The Division’s new online portal launched over the summer simplifies the process for charitable and political organizations that might be planning to offer alcohol as a prize at their upcoming fundraising events.
Under Ohio Revised Code Section 4301.58, certain organizations, as defined by IRS Code 501(c)(3) are permitted to award beer and intoxicating liquor (alcoholic beverages other than beer, including high-proof spirits) as part of a raffle, door prize or silent auction; however, they must supply a copy of the retail purchase receipt to the Division to prove the product they give away was bought from an authorized seller in the state. That’s because any alcohol that has been purchased out of state is prohibited from being used as a prize.
All receipts must be submitted to the Division digitally via the Ohio Permit and Liquor Licensing (OPAL) system, which is available at opal.ohio.gov. Launched in June, OPAL is a state-of-the-art platform the Division launched to modernize the process for managing alcohol licenses.
“As the holiday season approaches, it’s important that charitable and political organizations take the time now to understand Ohio’s legal requirements as it relates to incorporating alcohol into their fundraising events,” Division Superintendent Jackie DeGenova said. “Doing research now helps to ensure those events not only are successful, but they also are compliant with state law.”
Beer, wine, and low-proof prepackaged mixed beverages must be bought from an active permit holder, while high-proof spirituous liquor (over 21% alcohol by volume) must be acquired from an OHLQ location.
Alcohol can either be donated to the organization hosting the event or the organization itself can purchase the products. In both cases, the organization should retain a receipt. It’s important to note that Ohio liquor permit holders and OHLQ locations are prohibited from donating alcohol to organizations.
Additionally, depending on the type of event taking place, organizations still need to comply with Ohio gambling laws. Any gambling-related questions should be directed to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, Charitable Law Section, or the Department of Public Safety Ohio Investigative Unit.
For more information, visit com.ohio.gov/DOLC. Consumers can download the OHLQ mobile app to find their nearest location to purchase high-proof spirits.