Ohio’s alcohol laws can feel a bit confusing because the state allows different rules depending on the type of alcohol, where it’s sold, and the type of permit the business holds. If you’re planning a late-night gathering, hosting guests, or simply want to avoid last-minute disappointment, it helps to know: What time do they stop selling alcohol in Ohio?
Lets know the Ohio’s alcohol sale hours.
Retail Alcohol Sales (Beer, Wine, and Liquor)
Ohio separates alcohol sales by category and license type, but most consumers only need to know the general retail hours. Grocery stores, convenience stores, gas stations, and carry-out businesses can sell beer and wine if they have the correct permit. Liquor, however, is only sold at state-regulated liquor agencies.
Beer and Wine Sale Hours
Retail stores with a C-1 or C-2 permit may sell beer and wine:
- Daily: 5:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
This applies seven days a week, including Sundays.
Liquor Sale Hours (State Liquor Stores)
Liquor (spirits) in Ohio is sold through state-licensed agencies.
Most state liquor stores follow these hours:
- Monday–Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Sunday: 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (hours may vary by store)
While retail beer and wine sales run until 1:00 a.m., liquor sales do not continue that late because liquor agencies close earlier.
Bars, Restaurants, and Nightclubs
Bars and restaurants follow different rules depending on the type of liquor license (D-class permits). Most on-premise alcohol service establishments follow:
Standard On-Premise Service Hours:
- Daily: 5:30 a.m. to 2:30 a.m.
This means bars can serve alcohol until 2:30 a.m., one of the later cutoffs in the Midwest.
Last Call
Most bars call “last call” between 1:45 a.m. and 2:15 a.m., depending on the venue and local enforcement.
Sunday Alcohol Sales
Ohio used to enforce strict Sunday alcohol restrictions, but today the rules are far more flexible. Businesses can sell alcohol on Sundays only if they hold a special Sunday sales permit.
If they do have one, they may sell:
- Beer, wine, and liquor between 10:00 a.m. and midnight
Some areas allow sales starting at 11:00 a.m. or lasting until 1:00 a.m., depending on the permit type.
Dry precincts or counties may still ban Sunday sales completely, so local rules can vary.
Alcohol Delivery
Delivery services such as DoorDash, Instacart, and Uber Eats are allowed to deliver alcohol within the state’s legal hours:
- 5:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. for beer and wine
(Liquor cannot be delivered because it must be purchased through state agencies.)
Customers must show valid ID upon delivery.
Holiday Sales
Ohio does not have statewide holiday alcohol bans. However:
- State liquor stores may choose to close on Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter.
- Beer and wine sales at retail stores usually continue as normal, subject to store hours.
Why These Rules Matter
Ohio’s alcohol laws are heavily permit-based, which can create variations from one area to another. Understanding these hours helps residents, visitors, and business owners avoid confusion—especially on weekends and holidays.
Whether you’re stocking up for a party, heading out for the night, or simply restocking your home bar, knowing Ohio’s alcohol sale rules ensures a smooth and legal experience.
