Over the next month, many Ohioans will be attending holiday parties and gatherings. That is why agents with the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Ohio Investigative Unit are reminding holiday party hosts, restaurant and bar employees to be part of the solution by not serving underage individuals and being aware of excessive alcohol consumption.
“By refusing to serve impaired and underage guests, you can help us contribute to making Ohio a safer place,” said Agent-in-Charge Eric Wolf. “Agents will be visiting liquor permit premises checking to see if they are following Ohio’s liquor laws.”
According to Ohio law, individuals and liquor permit premises can be held liable, either criminally or administratively, if they are found to be furnishing or selling intoxicating liquor and/or beer to an intoxicated person, or to anyone under 21.
During December 2012, there were 1,322 alcohol related crashes on Ohio’s roadways. During that time, agents issued 65 administrative citations to liquor permit premises for underage alcohol sales. Agents also charged 48 people with underage alcohol possession or consumption and 18 for furnishing alcohol underage individuals.
Motorists are reminded to call #677 to report impaired drivers or drug activity.
Any liquor permit holders that would like more information on sales to underage and intoxicated patrons, should contact OIU to schedule an Alcohol Server Knowledge (ASK) course. For more information on the ASK class, click here.
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