OH HB777

Reinstates operating hours for liquor permit holders to those specified in rule 4301:1-1-49 of the Administrative Code as it existed on January 1, 2020, during the COVID-19 state of emergency declared by Executive Order 2020-01D on March 9, 2020.

Voids and rescinds paragraph (A) of rule 4301:1-1-80 of the Administrative Code that addresses hours of operation for liquor permit premises.

Applies to holders of A-1, A-1-A, A-1c, A-2, A-2f, A-3a, E, and class C or D liquor permits issued under Chapter 4303 of the Revised Code.

Prohibits permitting authorities (boards of health, Department of Health, Division of Liquor Control, and Liquor Control Commission) from taking disciplinary action against permit holders for violations of the rescinded hours rule occurring on or after July 31, 2020, provided the permit holder otherwise operated in compliance with their liquor permit.

Declares the act an emergency measure effective immediately to provide economic relief to liquor permit holders affected by COVID-19.