Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Liquor Control (DOLC):

• Processes new applications for all liquor permits in the state, including manufacturers, distributors and retailers
• Processes applications for transfers and renewals of existing liquor permits
• The DOLC has the authority to reject and deny certain applications for various reasons, these rejections may be appealed to the Liquor Control Commission
• The DOLC receives objections to liquor permit applications from legislative authorities and certain institutions, conducts hearings and renders decisions on those objections
• Adverse decisions may be appealed to the Liquor Control Commission by permit applicants and legislative authorities. Objecting institutions do not have any right of appeal under the law. The DOLC awards contracts for state liquor agencies

• Responsible for the enforcement of Ohio's liquor laws and regulations
• Issues citations to liquor permit holders who are in violation of Ohio's liquor laws and regulations. After a citation is written, the matter is referred to the Attorney General's Office - Liquor Unit which will schedule the case for a hearing before the Liquor Control Commission
• Maintains records and case history of liquor permit holders with liquor violations
• Maintains regional offices and offers training classes to permit holders and their employees
• Answers questions regarding compliance with Ohio liquor laws and rules