Carruthers Gives Testimony on Bill to Waive Liquor Permit Renewal Requirements

COLUMBUS –State Rep. Sara Carruthers (R-Hamilton) today gave sponsor testimony to House Bill 46, bipartisan legislation that exempts bars and restaurants from the requirement to renew their permits in 2021.

“We can all agree that bars and restaurants have been some of the hardest hit by the pandemic,” said Carruthers. “This legislation is a simple, yet effective way to provide some much-needed alleviation to this industry and their employees.”

Ohio law requires all liquor permit holders to renew their liquor permits annually. H.B. 46 allows a liquor permit to remain valid until the 2022 renewal date, unless the permit is suspended or revoked.

The legislation also removes gift card restrictions that prohibit using 30% of a restaurant gift card for the purchase of beer or liquor for on-premises consumption.

“Eliminating this threshold removes another hurdle that impedes business,” added Carruthers.

H.B. 46 awaits further hearings in the House Commerce and Labor Committee.