The General Assembly recently enacted a new law addressing charitable raffles to ensure that any alcohol products awarded through these fundraisers have been purchased through an appropriate state-licensed agent.
When beer and wine are raffled off, the charitable organization needs to collect and retain sales receipts indicating that the products were purchased by the organization or by a donor from an Ohio agent with permits to do business in the state of Ohio. If high-proof liquor is involved, the charitable organization must complete a form in advance and upload receipts to the Ohio Division of Liquor Control. These provisions apply to raffles, silent auctions, door prizes and other similar charitable events.
Ohio liquor-permit holders and state liquor agencies are prohibited from making donations for these fundraising events.
The new law – which made no changes in the general provisions of
ORC 2915 about other requirements related to charitable raffles – can be found at
ORC 4301.58.
Learn more about the
Division of Liquor Control.