Ohio Officials Urge for Safe Celebrations

ZANESVILLE, OH – It’s almost the unofficial start of summer and for many recent high school graduates it means it’s time to celebrate their accomplishments.

Graduation parties and plans are in full swing as the temperature starts to rise outside.

The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Liquor Control and the Ohio Investigative Unit want to make sure that students and parents are making safe, responsible and legal choices as they plan their celebrations.

Paul Kulwinski, the Director of Licensing from the Division of Liquor Control, says it’s the perfect time to celebrate but warns permit holders to be on the watch.

“We also want to remind our permit holders that they have a great responsibility.” Kulwinski said. “To ensure that, the people who are coming and frequenting their establishment, carryouts as well, that you’re not selling to underage individuals.”

Kulwinski says it’s important that parents and teens both understand Ohio’s underage drinking laws.

He says if you are convicted of selling or providing alcohol to an underage person, the seller can face a maximum sentence of six months in jail or a $1,000 fine for each offense.

Kulwinski says if you see a location selling alcohol to people who are underage, you should report it.

“If you see locations that are selling to underage [people] or causing problems, go to Public Safety.” Kulwinski said. “File a complaint so then we can take action on those locations.”

You can also report locations to the Ohio Investigative Unit by dialing #677.