Raise a Glass to Your Health: Ohioans Encouraged to Evaluate Their Relationship with Alcohol

Division of Liquor Control offers resources for Alcohol Awareness Month

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Each year, Ohioans are encouraged to conduct various checks on items of importance, such as smoke detectors, credit reports, and their overall health. This year, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Liquor Control (DOLC) invites individuals to add another item to that list – their relationship with alcohol.

In recognition of Alcohol Awareness Month, the DOLC is sharing information with Ohioans as they “check-in” on their relationship with alcohol use. Overconsumption of alcohol can lead to potentially serious health complications and interfere with all aspects of life, including work, school and relationships. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 6,750 Ohioans, on average, die each year from excessive drinking. In addition, approximately 20% of Ohio adults report they binge drink, which is greater than 17% nationwide.

“This April, as we recognize Alcohol Awareness Month, we encourage Ohioans to examine how alcohol has affected their overall well-being and make changes or seek support, if necessary,” said Paul Kulwinski, DOLC’s Interim Superintendent and Licensing Director.

The DOLC has many different roles in the regulation of alcohol in Ohio. For instance, the DOLC licenses Ohio manufacturers, distributors and retailers of beer, wine, mixed beverages, and high-proof spirits. The DOLC also issues temporary permits to nonprofit organizations to sell alcohol at their events. Furthermore, the DOLC registers all beer, wine, and low-proof products sold in Ohio. As one of 17 control states, Ohio also manages the sale and distribution of high-proof spirits containing more than 42 proof (21% alcohol by volume) through Ohio Liquor (OHLQ), the public-private partnership between DOLC and JobsOhio Beverage System. OHLQ contracts with privately owned businesses (sometimes referred to as contract / OHLQ state liquor agencies) to sell high-proof liquor on consignment. The profits from high-proof liquor sales are used by JobsOhio to fund job creation and drive new capital investment to the state.

“The Division of Liquor Control and OHLQ are in an important position to make Ohio a place where social responsibility is valued. We support a variety of resources and activities to help reduce the harms of alcohol abuse,” Kulwinski said. “We are committed to ensuring responsible consumption is at the heart of everything we do.”

The OHLQ partnership allowed Ohio to be the first state to have a substantial and meaningful state partnership with Responsibility.org, an organization focused on reducing the harms of alcohol abuse. The website offers various tools for conversation starters, resources for ridesharing services, and information about underage drinking and overconsumption. Access to this material is made available on OHLQ’s website and shared on its social media platforms. Examples include a Think Responsibly Quiz to help Ohioans determine if they have a responsible relationship with alcohol. In addition, a Virtual Bar Calculator can help individuals gain a better understanding of how different factors affect their blood alcohol content, including gender, weight, food they eat, and what and how they drink throughout the night.

The DOLC also connects Ohio parents to resources to help them have conversations with their children about underage drinking. Approximately 13% of Ohio high schoolers binge drink compared with 11% nationwide, according to CDC data.

“The sooner we can educate our youth, the more effective it will be,” Kulwinski added. “That’s why we encourage parents to talk with their children about underage drinking.”

For Ohioans struggling with addiction, or who need guidance in addressing underage drinking and responsible consumption, these resources can help you determine where to start:

• Check In On Yourself

• FindTreatment.gov
• Beat the Stigma
• Call 988
• Crisis Text Line – Text “4hope” to 741 741
• 1-800-589-9966 – Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline
• OHLQ Resources

For more resources and information, visit the Division’s Social Responsibility & Alcohol Abuse Prevention Hub.

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The Division of Liquor Control is part of the Ohio Department of Commerce. The department is Ohio’s chief regulatory agency, focused on promoting prosperity and protecting what matters most to Ohioans. We ensure businesses follow the laws that help them create jobs and keep Ohioans safe. To learn more about what we do, visit our website at https://com.ohio.gov/.