To amend section 1333.82 of the Revised Code to revise the Alcohol Franchise Law.
Summary
SB 23 amends Ohio Revised Code section 1333.82, which defines key terms used in the state’s Alcohol Franchise Law. The bill updates the statutory definitions of “manufacturer,” “distributor,” “franchise,” “good faith,” “brand,” and “sales area or territory” for purposes of the franchise provisions governing relationships between alcohol manufacturers and distributors. In particular, it keeps the law focused on beer and wine and clarifies that a manufacturer does not include a person producing less than 250,000 barrels of beer per year.
The bill also refines the definition of “sales area or territory” by describing it as an exclusive geographic area assigned to a permit holder with identifiable boundaries, while preserving an exception for certain retail locations assigned before April 9, 2001. Section 2 repeals the existing version of the statute, so the bill would replace the current definitional section with the revised language if enacted.
Impact
If enacted, SB 23 would change the legal definitions that govern Ohio’s alcohol franchise framework in sections 1333.82 to 1333.87 of the Revised Code. Those definitions affect how manufacturer-distributor franchise relationships are interpreted and enforced, including what entities are covered, what counts as good-faith conduct, and how exclusive sales territories are identified. The bill would therefore have practical effects on beer and wine manufacturers, distributors, and retail permit holders operating in Ohio, especially in disputes over territorial rights and franchise obligations.
Sentiment
Based on the available context, the bill appears to be a technical or clarifying measure rather than a highly controversial policy change. There are no recorded committee transcripts or votes in the provided materials, so there is no direct evidence of opposition or support from lawmakers in the available record. The bill’s narrow focus on statutory definitions suggests it may be intended to update and standardize the Alcohol Franchise Law rather than to make a broad substantive shift in alcohol regulation.
Contention
The main points of potential contention are likely to involve the scope of the manufacturer definition, the treatment of smaller beer producers, and the rules governing exclusive sales territories. Beer and wine manufacturers, distributors, and retail permit holders could have differing views on whether the revised definitions strengthen or limit franchise protections and territorial exclusivity. The grandfathering language for retail locations assigned before April 9, 2001 may also be a point of concern for parties affected by legacy territory arrangements.
To amend sections 3517.12, 3517.13, and 3517.155 of the Revised Code to modify the Campaign Finance Law regarding foreign nationals and statewide initiatives and referenda and to declare an emergency.
To amend sections 3517.12, 3517.13, and 3517.155 of the Revised Code to modify the Campaign Finance Law regarding foreign nationals and statewide initiatives and referenda and to declare an emergency.
To amend sections 3505.01 and 3505.10 of the Revised Code to modify the deadline for a political party to certify its nominees for President and Vice-President to the Secretary of State.
To delay the deadline for a major political party to certify its presidential and vice presidential candidates to the Secretary of State for the 2024 general election.