COLUMBUS, Ohio — State agents will be increasing enforcement efforts at bars and liquor permit locations across Ohio as St. Patrick’s Day celebrations begin.
The Ohio Investigative Unit (OIU) announced that agents will be conducting compliance checks and enforcement operations statewide from March 13 through March 18, a period officials say is among the busiest drinking times of the year.
According to OIU, agents will be focusing on ensuring alcohol permit holders follow Ohio law, particularly when it comes to preventing sales to underage individuals.
“St. Patrick’s Day and the days surrounding it are some of the busiest days of the year for our agents,” said OIU Executive Director Jamie Patton. “Because it is a major drinking holiday, we see a higher turnout at bars and liquor stores across the state. We want to ensure that those visiting these establishments are doing so legally and not threatening the safety of others.”
During the enforcement period, agents will be monitoring liquor permit premises to ensure businesses are not selling or furnishing alcohol to underage patrons. Violations can result in criminal charges or administrative citations against the permit holder.
Authorities say agents will also be watching for other criminal activity that may occur at or near liquor establishments, including the presence of illegal firearms and drug-related offenses.
State officials pointed to last year’s St. Patrick’s Day enforcement period as an example of the type of activity agents encounter during the holiday. In 2025, OIU reported confiscating six firearms at liquor permit premises, making 24 arrests for underage alcohol offenses, and issuing 20 administrative citations against liquor permit holders. Eight of those citations were specifically for furnishing alcohol to underage individuals.
OIU is also encouraging bar owners, servers, and other alcohol permit holders to participate in the Alcohol Server Knowledge (ASK) program, a free online training resource designed to educate permit holders and employees about Ohio’s alcohol laws and responsibilities.
The agency is asking the public to report suspected violations involving alcohol, tobacco, or food assistance program laws. Reports can be submitted through the OIU website or by contacting the agency’s central office.
Officials emphasize that the enforcement effort is intended to help ensure St. Patrick’s Day celebrations across Ohio remain safe and within the law.