Ohio: Are happy hour drink specials legal?
Ohio allows happy hours before 9 p.m. but bans late-night discounts, two-for-one deals, and unlimited drinks for a fixed price.
A state liquor rule lets bars and restaurants sell drinks below their posted regular price before 9 p.m. and call that time a happy hour. Discounts after 9 p.m. are not allowed. Two or more drinks for the price of one, and unlimited drinks for a set price, are banned at any time. Permit holders must keep a schedule of regular prices.
Conditions
- Discounts only before 9 p.m.
- No two-for-one or multiple servings for one order
- No unlimited drinks for a fixed price
- Schedule of regular prices required
What the law says
No liquor permit holder authorized to sell for on-premises consumption, and no agent or employee of that liquor permit holder, shall: (1) Offer to sell, furnish, or deliver to any person or group of persons: (a) Two or more servings of an alcoholic beverage upon the placing of an order for an individual serving of an alcoholic beverage; (b) An unlimited number of servings of alcoholic beverages during any set period of time for a fixed price; (c) Any alcoholic beverage after nine p.m. at a price less than the regularly-charged price, as established by the schedule of prices required in paragraph (B) of this rule. ... (B) ... (2) Prior to nine p.m., permit holders may sell, furnish, deliver, or allow the consumption of any alcoholic beverage at a price less than the regularly-charged price, as established by the aforementioned schedule of prices. Permit holders who do so may designate this time as happy hour periods.
Sources
- Ohio Adm. Code 4301:1-1-50 (Limitations on happy hours and similar retail price reductions) Official · codes.ohio.gov
Confirm with the state
- Agency
- Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Liquor Control
- Website
- com.ohio.gov
How bordering states compare
- Indiana Allowed with limitsIndiana has allowed happy hours since July 2024, capped at 4 hours a day and 15 a week, never 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.
- Kentucky Allowed with limitsKentucky has no happy hour ban, but retailers can't offer coupons on alcohol, give drinks away, or sell below cost.
- Michigan Allowed with limitsMichigan allows happy hours but limits unlimited-drink deals and bans selling one person 3 or more identical drinks for one price.
- Pennsylvania Allowed with limitsPennsylvania allows happy hours of up to four hours a day and 24 hours a week, with no discounts after midnight.
- West Virginia AllowedWest Virginia law has no rule against happy hours or drink specials, and licensees may advertise drink prices.