Understanding the Evolution of Ohio’s Liquor Laws

Tim Bechtold, of counsel in the Vorys Columbus office, authored an article for the Ohio State Bar Association’s “Law You Can Use” program. Bechtold’s article focused on the history of Ohio’s liquor laws and how they have evolved since prohibition.

The article states:

“Did Ohio successfully transition from Prohibition to a regulated environment for the sale of alcohol?  Yes. Political turmoil over alcohol-related issues dominated the public arena throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries across the country. However, an Ohio Legislative Service Commission study (No. 30), completed in January 1959, tells the story of Ohio’s success:

‘The Ohio law has provided the largest period of political stability on the question of liquor control, since it became an issue over a century ago, which indicates that the law is well adapted to what the people want and will live by. The possibilities for improvement of the law lie mainly in its administration and enforcement rather than in basic changes of the existing structure.’”

To read the article, click here.