Ohioans Can Now Get Alcohol With Carry-Out Orders: How It Works

COLUMBUS, OH — On Tuesday afternoon, Gov. Mike DeWine announced another policy change prompted by the new coronavirus outbreak: Ohioans will now be able to get alcohol with their carry-out meals.

"Today, the Ohio Liquor Control Commission passed an emergency rule to allow establishments with an existing on-premises liquor permit to sell and deliver alcohol, including high-proof liquor in limited quantity, for off-premises consumption," DeWine said during his daily news conference on Tuesday.

The emergency rule also allows breweries to sell beer and wine, that they did not make, without a food purchase. Higher-proof liquor will require a food order though, the order says.

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Here's what the rule means for Ohioans:

• For each carry-out meal, Ohioans can buy two alcoholic drinks.
• All drinks must be closed and remain closed while they're being transported.
  • Opening one of the drinks before getting home means you could be prosecuted under open container law.
• Drinks cannot have more than two ounces of "spirituous liquor" per container, the rule says.
• The rule change will remain in effect for 120 days, unless it is rescinded by the Liquor Control Commission.

DeWine's office said similar policy changes have been put in place in other states, including New York and Texas. The goal is to provide some financial relief to restaurants and bars which have been ordered closed during the COVID-19 outbreak.

"As always, patrons are encouraged to drink responsibly and obey all applicable laws," DeWine's office said.

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