Ohio Governor Signs Law Permitting Sunday Liquor Sales
Ohio Gov. Bob Taft has signed into law an historic bill rolling back the state’s Prohibition-era ban on Sunday liquor sales, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS).
“This new law will bring consumers more choices and greater convenience,” said Peter Cressy, President of the Distilled Spirits Council, the trade association for the nation’s distillers supporting the change.
Previously, Ohio consumers were only allowed to buy beer and wine on Sundays. Under the law, Sunday spirits sales will be permitted in liquor stores located in communities where voters have already passed Sunday sales for bars and restaurants.
According to a DISCUS economic analysis, Sunday liquor sales could generate between $9.2 and $15.1 million in new state revenue if all stores open that are eligible under the law.
Ohio becomes the 31st state–and the ninth in the last two years–to permit Sunday liquor sales, Cressy added.
“States across the country are modernizing their outdated liquor laws as a way to benefit consumers while at the same time raising much needed tax revenue,” Cressy said.
Dave Holliday, an Ohio resident and Vice President of DISCUS, testified before House and Senate committees during consideration of the legislation.
