As St. Patrick’s Day celebrations begin across the state, the Ohio Investigative Unit is increasing enforcement efforts to help ensure the holiday remains safe and responsible.
From March 13 through March 18, agents will conduct compliance checks and enforcement operations at bars, restaurants, and other liquor permit establishments across Ohio.
Officials say the holiday is traditionally one of the busiest drinking periods of the year.
OIU Executive Director Jamie Patton said agents expect large crowds at bars and liquor stores during the celebrations.
“St. Patrick’s Day and the days surrounding it are some of the busiest days of the year for our agents,” Patton said. “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.”
Agents will focus on preventing underage alcohol sales and furnishing alcohol to minors, which can result in criminal charges and administrative penalties for permit holders.
Investigators will also watch for other illegal activity, including drug offenses and illegal firearms on liquor permit premises.
During last year’s St. Patrick’s Day enforcement period, which ran from March 14 through March 18, OIU agents reported confiscating six firearms at liquor permit locations.
Officers also made 24 arrests for underage alcohol violations and issued 20 administrative citations to liquor permit holders, including eight citations for furnishing alcohol to underage individuals.
The Ohio Investigative Unit is responsible for enforcing the state’s alcohol, tobacco, and SNAP fraud laws, and its agents are sworn peace officers who investigate criminal violations connected to those regulations.
