COVID-19 Update
Nov. 16, 2020
All the important updates you need to know as an Ohio Liquor Agency.
ATTENTION ALL LIQUOR AGENCIES!
Health Order Enforcing
Mask-Wearing in Retail Locations
An Ohio Department of Health to enforce mask-wearing in retail locations across the state in compliance with the statewide mandatory mask order went into effect this morning at 12:01 a.m.
This order restates that everyone 10 years-old or older must wear a facial covering when in a retail store and includes the following provisions:
Retail Locations
· All retailers must post and enforce a sign indicating that masks are required at all entrances.
· Employees are not required to put themselves in jeopardy or risk harm when enforcing this order.
· All retailers must post at all entrances a maximum capacity limit to ensure a minimum of six-feet physical distance can be maintained throughout the location.
· All retailers should mark six-feet separation spots in all check-out lines.
· All retailers should arrange all store aisles to be directionally one-way, if required to achieve appropriate social distancing.
· All retailers should place hand sanitizer stations at high-contact locations.
· All retailers must require employees to stay home if symptomatic.
· All retailers must disinfect high-touch areas after each use (e.g. carts, baskets, and other equipment).
· All retailers should provide reasonable accommodation to any person unable to wear a mask into the store by providing online or telephone ordering and curbside, non-contact pick up and/or allowing a person to wear a full face shield that extends below the chin. Delivery options are also encouraged when possible for products other than high proof spirituous liquor. Agencies are not permitted to deliver high proof spirituous liquor.
· Each retailer must post a sign at each entrance detailing these accommodations.
· This order does not apply to those medically or developmentally unable to wear a face covering.
· Each business should designate an on-site compliance officer for each business location and each shift during all business hours to enforce these requirements.
Compliance Enforcement
· State of Ohio employees with enforcement powers, including the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Retail Compliance Unit employees working on behalf of the Ohio Department of Health, representatives of local health departments, and local law enforcement are authorized to inspect and enforce the order.
· All retailers shall allow representatives of the Ohio Department of Health, a local health department, or law enforcement to inspect public areas during business hours.
· The representative will issue an initial warning to the business before issuing a notice of violation requiring closure.
· If a notice of violation of these orders is issued by a representative from the Ohio Department of Health, a local health department, or law enforcement, the retail location must immediately shut down for no longer than 24 hours to allow for dissipation of COVID-19 airborne droplets.
· Citizens observing non-compliance should notify the Ohio Department of Health call center at 1-833-4ASKODH (1-833-427-5634).
Contact the Ohio Department of Health at 1-833-4ASKODH (1-833-427-5634) with any questions relating to the order. Contact the Liquor Enterprise Service Center at 877-812-0013 or [email protected] with any questions relating to high proof spirits sales.
More data is available on the COVID-19 Dashboard HERE.
