{"id":202412,"date":"2026-02-06T23:12:02","date_gmt":"2026-02-07T04:12:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thevwindependent.com\/news\/?p=202412"},"modified":"2026-02-06T23:12:07","modified_gmt":"2026-02-07T04:12:07","slug":"oiu-urges-safety-around-super-bowl","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thevwindependent.com\/news\/2026\/02\/06\/oiu-urges-safety-around-super-bowl\/","title":{"rendered":"OIU urges safety around Super Bowl"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Submitted information<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

COLUMBUS — As fans across the state prepare for Super Bowl LX on Sunday, the Ohio Investigative Unit is reminding liquor permit holders and the public to prioritize safety and responsible alcohol service during the weekend\u2019s festivities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

OIU agents will be working statewide through the weekend to monitor liquor permit premises and ensure compliance with Ohio\u2019s liquor laws. These efforts focus on preventing the sale of alcohol to underage individuals, stopping the over-service of patrons, and ensuring permit holders are adhering to their authorized permit privileges.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\u201cWe want everyone to enjoy the game and the social gatherings that come with it, but our priority is ensuring that those celebrations don\u2019t turn into tragedies,\u201d said OIU Executive Director Jamie Patton. \u201cLiquor permit holders have a responsibility to their patrons and their communities to serve alcohol legally and safely. Our agents will be active across Ohio to ensure these laws are followed and to hold violators accountable.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, OIU reminds permit holders to verify their specific Sunday sale privileges<\/a>. In Ohio, a D-6 permit is required to sell intoxicating liquor including wine, prepackaged low-proof mixed beverages, and high-proof spirits on Sundays. While a D-6 permit is not required to sell beer, the location must be authorized for Sunday beer sales by local option election results. There are no exceptions in Ohio law for a temporary change in authorized sales privileges due to holidays or special events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During Super Bowl weekend in 2025, which spanned from Friday, February 7, through Monday February 10, OIU agents made 34 total arrests and issued 16 administrative citations against liquor permit holders including 10 for operating without a permit to sell liquor on Sundays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Safety and Compliance Priorities<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

OIU agents will specifically monitor for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n