Pro-Business Bill to Update Ohio Liquor Laws Passes House

COLUMBUS—The Ohio House of Representatives today passed House Bill 86, announced State Rep. Jeff LaRe (R-Violet Twp.). 

This legislation will increase the limit on gallons of spirituous liquor that a micro-distillery may manufacture each year. 

The bill will also revise the cost for liquor tasting samples. Under current law, liquor agency stores are required to charge at least 50¢ for each tasting sample. House Bill 86 will remove this requirement and align tasting samples of spirituous liquor with its beer and wine counterpart when provided at a liquor agency store.

“By increasing production limits, this bill will create more opportunities for small businesses to grow and flourish,” said LaRe. “Our businesses are still recovering from the impact of the pandemic and this bill will directly help them recover lost revenues.” 

Finally, House Bill 86 will remove grains of paradise from the list of substances that are prohibited for use and considered an adulterating agent to spirituous liquor, alcoholic liquor, or beer.

House Bill 86 moves to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.