How to Get a Retail alcohol License in Ohio (2026)
Quick answer
The C-2 permit covers retail stores selling wine in sealed containers for off-premises consumption.
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
How do I get this license?
Check the licensing authority
Board
Ohio Division of Liquor Control.
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
The division of liquor control shall do all of the following: Grant or refuse permits
Official sourceOfficial agency page
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
Division of liquor control powers and duties.
Official sourceConfirm your next step with the agency
Review the official instructions for your situation before applying.
Open the official agency page
What else should I know?
Agency guidance
The C-2 permit covers retail stores selling wine in sealed containers for off-premises consumption.
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
Permit C-2 may be issued to the owner or operator of a retail store to sell wine in sealed containers only and not for consumption on the premises where sold in original containers.Official source
Agency guidance
The D-5 permit covers eligible licensed restaurants or nightclubs selling beer and intoxicating liquor by the drink for on-premises consumption.
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
Permit D-5 may be issued to the owner or operator of a retail food establishment or a food service operation licensed pursuant to Chapter 3717. of the Revised Code that operates as a restaurant or night club for purposes of this chapter, to sell beer and any intoxicating liquor at retail, only by the individual drink in glass and from the container, for consumption on the premises where soldOfficial source
Agency guidance
Permits run for one year or part of a year, aligned with uniform expiration dates designated by the division.
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
shall be issued for one year, or part of one year, commencing on the day after the uniform expiration dates designated by the division of liquor control, or for the unexpired portion of such year, and no longerOfficial source
When do I renew, and is CE required?
Have a license or permit? Use the expiration date printed on it to set up your calendar and reminders.
What does it cost?
Confirm the charges and conditions for your application with the official agency.
Which official sources support this guide?
Official sources and verification (5)
Last verified Oct 25, 2026. Each quotation supports the corresponding published value.
Ohio Division of Liquor Control.
Ohio Division of Liquor Control.
The division of liquor control shall do all of the following: Grant or refuse permitsOfficial source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-4301.10
Division of liquor control powers and duties.Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
The C-2 permit covers retail stores selling wine in sealed containers for off-premises consumption.
The C-2 permit covers retail stores selling wine in sealed containers for off-premises consumption.
Permit C-2 may be issued to the owner or operator of a retail store to sell wine in sealed containers only and not for consumption on the premises where sold in original containers.Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
The D-5 permit covers eligible licensed restaurants or nightclubs selling beer and intoxicating liquor by the drink for on-premises consumption.
The D-5 permit covers eligible licensed restaurants or nightclubs selling beer and intoxicating liquor by the drink for on-premises consumption.
Permit D-5 may be issued to the owner or operator of a retail food establishment or a food service operation licensed pursuant to Chapter 3717. of the Revised Code that operates as a restaurant or night club for purposes of this chapter, to sell beer and any intoxicating liquor at retail, only by the individual drink in glass and from the container, for consumption on the premises where soldOfficial source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
Permits run for one year or part of a year, aligned with uniform expiration dates designated by the division.
Permits run for one year or part of a year, aligned with uniform expiration dates designated by the division.
shall be issued for one year, or part of one year, commencing on the day after the uniform expiration dates designated by the division of liquor control, or for the unexpired portion of such year, and no longerOfficial source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
Not yet verified: license fee, required hours, exam, renewal, continuing education — see the official agency.
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Following: How to Get a Retail alcohol License in Ohio (2026)
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What should I explore next?
Retail alcohol license in neighboring states
Neighboring states use Census adjacency data, including water and point boundaries.
Last verified Oct 25, 2026.
Official sources (4)
Not legal or tax advice. Confirm with the official agency before filing.