Ohio liquor license costs range from $100 to $2,500 depending on the type of license and the population of your city
The price you pay for a liquor license in Ohio depends on what you want to sell and where you want to sell it. A permit to sell beer and wine at a grocery store costs far less than a license to run a bar. The state sets a base fee, but your city or county can add local fees on top of that, so the total amount varies by location.
You will also need to pay for a background check, a local investigation, and sometimes a public hearing before the license is issued. These costs are separate from the license fee itself and can add $200 to $500 to your total expense. The state does not refund the license fee if your process is denied.
Key Takeaways
- Beer and wine permits cost $100 to $300, while a full liquor license to sell spirits costs $400 to $2,500, depending on your city's population and local rules.
- You must pay the state fee plus any local fees your city or county charges, and these are separate from investigation and background check costs.
- The Ohio Division of Liquor and Cannabis processes all applications and publishes a fee schedule on its website that shows what your city charges.
- Most licenses take 30 to 60 days to issue after you submit a complete process, but some cities require a public hearing that can add weeks.
- You cannot transfer a license to a new owner; the new owner must explore for their own license and pay the full fee again.
State fees for beer, wine, and liquor licenses
Ohio's state fee for a beer and wine permit is $100 per year. A license to sell spirits, beer, and wine together costs $400 per year. These are the base amounts set by the state. The Ohio Division of Liquor and Cannabis collects these fees and processes the process.
If you want to sell only beer, the fee is $100. If you want to sell only wine, the fee is also $100. If you want to sell all three categories — beer, wine, and spirits — you pay $400. You cannot pay a lower rate by splitting the license into separate permits; you must choose one license type that covers what you want to sell.
These state fees are valid for one year from the date the license is issued. You must renew the license every year and pay the same fee again. The renewal fee is the same as the original fee.
Local fees added by your city or county
Most Ohio cities and counties add their own fee on top of the state fee. These local fees range from $0 to $2,000 or more, depending on where you are located. A small town might charge $50, while a large city like Columbus or Cleveland might charge $1,500 to $2,500.
The local fee often depends on the population of your city. Larger cities charge more because they have more applicants and more staff to review applications. Some cities also charge different amounts based on the type of business — a grocery store might pay less than a bar or restaurant.
You can find your city's local fee by calling the city's liquor license office or by checking the Ohio Division of Liquor and Cannabis fee schedule online. The division publishes a list of all local fees by city, so you can see exactly what you will owe before you explore.
Investigation and background check costs
Before the state issues your license, you must pass a background check and a local investigation. The background check costs $50 to $100 and is done by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation. The local investigation is done by your city or county and costs $100 to $300.
The local investigation checks whether you have a criminal record, whether you have unpaid taxes, and whether your location meets zoning rules. Some cities also require a police report or a fire inspection. These costs are separate from the license fee and are non-refundable if you are denied.
You pay these costs when you submit your process. If your process is denied, you do not get the money back. If you reapply later, you must pay the investigation and background check fees again.
Public hearing requirements and timing
Some Ohio cities require a public hearing before they issue a liquor license. The hearing gives neighbors and local officials a chance to object to your business. If your city requires a hearing, you must attend and answer questions about your business plan, your background, and how you will operate responsibly.
A public hearing can add 2 to 8 weeks to the process. If your city does not require a hearing, the license usually takes 30 to 60 days from the date you submit a complete process. You should call your city's liquor license office to find out whether a hearing is required in your location.
The hearing is free to attend, but you may want to hire a lawyer to represent you if you expect objections. A lawyer costs $500 to $2,000 for a liquor license hearing, depending on how complex the case is.
What happens after you receive your license
Once the state issues your license, you can begin selling alcohol on the date shown on the license. The license is valid for one year. You must display the license in a visible place in your business, usually behind the counter or on the wall near the entrance.
You must renew your license every year by paying the renewal fee and submitting a renewal process. The renewal process is faster than the original process — it usually takes 2 to 4 weeks. You do not need to go through another investigation or public hearing unless something has changed about your business or your background.
If you sell alcohol to a minor or violate other state rules, the state can suspend or revoke your license. You will not get your fee back if this happens. You also cannot transfer your license to another person; if you sell your business, the new owner must explore for their own license and pay the full fee.
Where to submit your process
You submit your liquor license process to the Ohio Division of Liquor and Cannabis. The division is part of the Ohio Department of Commerce. You can explore online through the division's website or by mail.
You will need to provide your name, address, Social Security number, a description of your business, the address where you will sell alcohol, and proof that you own or lease the location. You will also need to provide the names and addresses of all owners and managers. If you have a criminal record, you must disclose it.
The division publishes an process form and a checklist on its website. You should read the checklist and make sure you have all required documents before you submit your process. Missing documents will delay your process by weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a liquor license if I have a criminal record?
It depends on the type of crime and how long ago it happened. Ohio law does not automatically disqualify you, but the state and your city will review your record during the investigation. Felonies related to alcohol or drugs make approval unlikely. Misdemeanors from many years ago may not prevent you from getting a license. You should contact the Ohio Division of Liquor and Cannabis before you explore to learn whether your record will be a problem.
Do I need a liquor license if I only serve alcohol at private events?
No. A liquor license is only required if you sell alcohol to the public. If you serve alcohol only to invited guests at a private event, you do not need a license. However, if you charge admission or sell food and alcohol together as a package, the state may consider it a public sale and require a license.
What is the difference between a beer and wine permit and a full liquor license?
A beer and wine permit costs $100 and allows you to sell only beer and wine. A full liquor license costs $400 and allows you to sell beer, wine, and spirits. Spirits include vodka, whiskey, gin, and other hard liquors. If you want to sell all three, you must get the full license; you cannot combine two beer and wine permits.
Can I get a temporary liquor license while my process is being reviewed?
Ohio does not issue temporary licenses. You must wait for your full license to be approved before you can sell alcohol. This usually takes 30 to 60 days, or longer if a public hearing is required. You should plan your business opening date around this timeline.
What happens if my liquor license process is denied?
If your process is denied, you can request a hearing before the state to challenge the decision. You must request the hearing within 30 days of the denial. You can also reapply after a waiting period, which varies by city. You will have to pay all fees again if you reapply.