Starting this fall, the Division of Liquor Control will only accept liquor permit renewal applications online. The web-based renewal portal opens today.
It initially launched during the October 2020 renewal cycle and played a significant role when February and June 2021 renewals were delayed because of Covid-related extensions. Since then, most permit holders have adopted the online process. With each passing renewal cycle, the overall adoption rate continues to increase.
In October 2021, nearly 55 percent of permit holders who renewed used the portal. The following year (October 2022), nearly 78 percent filed online. And this most recent June 2023 cycle, for example, more than 80 percent of permit holders filed online.
“When applications were filled out on paper and mailed in there was a risk of them being incomplete, causing delays in the process. With online renewals, licensees are required to fully complete the application before submission,” said Division of Liquor Control Superintendent Jim Canepa.
“Permit holders will also have more payment options and receive instant proof that they filed and, when applicable, get the necessary documentation to continue operating while we process their application. This means less downtime and more transparency for the permit holders and less paper for staff, which is a win for everyone,” said Canepa.
The October renewal cycle encompasses all retail permit (Class C/D) locations in Northeastern Ohio (Lorain, Cuyahoga, Lake, Geauga, Medina, Summit, Portage, Trumbull, and Ashtabula counties).
Unlike other renewal cycles, October also includes, regardless of location in Ohio, all breweries, wineries, and distilleries (Class A); wholesale distributors (Class B); transportation/common carriers (Class H), direct-to-consumer shippers (Class S), and warehousing permits (Class W).
Going all online for permit renewals is one part of DOLC’s broader effort to use technology for licensing. Other examples include the ability to now file online applications for beer and wine label registrations and filing online for new H Permits. The Division also offers an online option to submit temporary event permit (F Class) applications and fees.
“As the Division works on more online options for all liquor permit applications, we continue to engage stakeholders in the process to ensure that we are building a system for the future that betters the experience for all users that will foster continued business growth,” Canepa said.
Resources
- Permit renewal overview: www.com…
- How to renew a permit online: www.com…
- How to file a new application: www.com…
- Permit objection process: www.com…
- General resources: www.com…
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