By Jo Ingles // 91.7 WVXU
Rising sales of booze in the Buckeye State are leaving the state agency that oversees liquor thirsting for more operators.
There are 465 liquor stores in Ohio, which are managed by the state but are run by licensed operators. They’re independent contractors and earn commission on sales. Stephanie Gostomski with the Department of Commerce’s Division of Liquor Control said the state wants to find at least 15 more operators in the coming months, including some in key areas.
“Right now, we are looking to open five new stores, two in the Cincinnati area, two in Central Ohio and one in the Dayton area,” Gostomski said.
Profit from liquor sales goes to JobsOhio, the state’s private economic development entity. Ohio liquor sales last year generated $1.7 billion, up more than five percent from the previous year.
WHAT LIQUOR AGENCIES ARE AVAILABLE TODAY?
The Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Liquor Control is pleased to announce that the division is seeking applicants to establish and operate new contract liquor Agencies. The decision to expand and where to locate expansion Agencies is based on market analysis and industry data. Several factors are measured when considering expansion, such as demographic data, market opportunity, revenue potential, population growth density and proximity to existing Agencies. The division utilized this criteria to make objective and data driven decisions. Ultimately, the goals are to provide reliable revenues for Ohio economic development initiatives and improve service to retail clients.
The Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Liquor Control is seeking applicants to establish and operate new contract liquor Agencies within a two (2) mile radius of the following locations:
- Franklin County, Ohio; Latitude 40.053645, Longitude -82.908818(Radius Map /Interactive Map)
- Franklin County, Ohio; Latitude 40.052779, Longitude -82.9236(Radius Map /Interactive Map)
- Greene County, Ohio; Latitude 39.811139, Longitude -84.024667(Radius Map /Interactive Map)
- Hamilton County, Ohio; Latitude 39.09309, Longitude -84.386824(Radius Map /Interactive Map)
- Hamilton County, Ohio; Latitude 39.111701, Longitude -84.51544(Radius Map /Interactive Map)
If you would like to apply to operate a contract liquor Agency, click on the location above for which you are interested in applying, and print the site specification requirements to reference. To apply for that Agency, click on Apply for an Agency (Store), as well as any individual form necessary to complete your application transaction.
For more information on how to become a contract liquor agent, please see the following Agency (Store) FAQs. Please contact the Division via email with any additional questions at NewLiquorAgencyFAQ@com.state.oh.us.