Opening Brewery in Ohio

brewgineers · 12-07-2010, 10:42 PM

been homebrewing for a little while now and have just been curious as to the state laws in Ohio about manufacturing and distributing bottled and kegged beer. Have tried to understand the states website but always come up short. Can anyone help me understand the state laws and licensing for microbrewing?

**android** · 12-08-2010, 01:27 AM

that's a pretty loaded question. you should start by emailing someone at Ohio Liquor Control and asking them the initial questions you have. they will probably guide you toward their application/licensing area of that website and tell you to fill out the appropriate forms, etc. and then get back with any other questions you have. also seek advice/information from other breweries in the area (none of us will probably understand the specific workings of Ohio enough to really get you a decent understanding). just know that you need a building/location, equipment, etc. all lined up before you can get approved (at least that's how it is in iowa). you're kind of at the mercy of the state and federal governments after you have invested a lot of money and time to give you the permits needed. sorry i can't offer more help, but i think the people working in the industry in the area and the government officials are the best place to ask for elucidation on laws, permits, licensing, etc.

**Yooper** · 12-08-2010, 01:38 AM

One of our HBT friends, Mirilis, opened a brewery. He lives in western OH, but I think he opened the brewery in Indiana, because of the laws in Ohio. You may want to check into the laws specific to Ohio, because I don't think Mirilis is online much these days. You could try sending him a PM though, just in case!

brewgineers · 12-08-2010, 01:41 AM

thanks for the great info ill call over to the Ohio Liquor Control tomorrow and ask them what the process is

**bad67z** · 12-08-2010, 01:43 AM

From a few folks I have talked to that have looked into it "we" here in Ohio have pretty heafty requirements to open a micro brewery. That is why there are so few of them. If I remember correctly there is a $ 10,000 annual licensing fee.

brewgineers · 12-08-2010, 02:16 AM

From what ive looked at i found only one licensing fee that might pertain to me and its roughly $4000 fee but I am unsure about if it applies to microbreweries only making a certain amount. Maybe I should get some face time with the governor.

Hermit · 12-08-2010, 02:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brewgineers

From what ive looked at i found only one licensing fee that might pertain to me and its roughly $4000 fee but I am unsure about if it applies to microbreweries only making a certain amount. Maybe I should get some face time with the governor.

That is closer to the amount of the annual license hanging on the wall of the local brewery. That's a lot of beer just to pay for the 'right' to make beer....

Zeuceone · 12-08-2010, 02:34 AM

Sell the kegs and the contents are free???

**IrregularPulse** · 12-08-2010, 02:43 AM

Good luck. I drive past beaver creek from our house to my inlaws. I'd definitley stop in.

RebelHouse32 · 12-08-2010, 02:52 AM

Hey brewgineers, the license is $4,000 in Ohio. I'm also from dayton and am finally almost ready to get the micro up and running. Unfortunately it takes a lot of capital and the taxes are pretty steep here. You have to pay an excise tax up front as well before you produce any beer, basically you buy the rights to the amount of beer you plan on producing in the calendar year along with the license. There are also taxes paid on every bottle and keg you produce. As mentioned above, you also need a location/equipment before you can even apply for the license. If you want to know more just pm me anytime.