COLUMBUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—Ohio Liquor (OHLQ), a public-private partnership between the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Liquor Control (DOLC) and JobsOhio Beverage System (JOBS), has been awarded the prestigious StateWays Overall Best Practices Award for 2024. This recognition highlights OHLQ’s industry-leading efforts in innovation, education, and enforcement.
Since its establishment over eight years ago, OHLQ has transformed and grown, using profits from high-proof liquor sales to fund job creation and attract new capital investment to Ohio. The DOLC’s Licensing Section regulates approximately 27,000 private companies statewide, while the Division’s Investigative Services Unit ensures compliance with Ohio laws.
OHLQ has overhauled its inventory management system, improved distribution, added new retail locations, and created the Liquor Enterprise Service Center. A new B2B communications platform and successful marketing efforts have also been launched, making wholesale ordering easier for Ohio’s 14,000 permit holders. These efforts have propelled Ohio to second place in dollar sales among the 17 control jurisdictions.
“I could not be more proud of this extraordinary honor,” said Jackie DeGenova, DOLC Superintendent. “This is a clear result of our unique partnership and the team that dedicates so much time and effort to its success.”
One standout initiative was the Whiskey Gold Rush, a bottle lottery launched in May 2023, allowing customers to purchase Blanton’s Gold whiskey at participating retail locations. Another notable effort was the Irish Cask and Craft collaboration with Ireland’s Bord Bia, featuring a collection of craft Irish whiskey and gin.
Additional programs recognized include DOLC’s Investigative Services’ stakeholder outreach, OHLQ’s social responsibility partnerships, and fair distribution of highly allocated products. OHLQ’s distribution innovation, supported by DHL Supply Chain, was also acknowledged.
“OHLQ has had a very successful year thanks to collaboration, hard work, and a commitment to selling high-proof spirits fairly and responsibly,” DeGenova said. “We will continue our work to be a national leader in our operations and continue our efforts for a prosperous Ohio.”
The StateWays Best Practices Awards, launched in 2015, recognize organizations leading the spirits industry in innovation, education, and enforcement. OHLQ will be honored at the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association (NABCA) Conference this October in Missoula, Montana, and featured in the Fall issue of StateWays magazine.
For more information about OHLQ, visit OHLQ.com.
