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SB 23

Revise the Alcohol Franchise Law

136th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Andrew Brenner

SB 23 revises Ohio's alcohol franchise law, potentially rebalancing supplier-retailer relationships and affecting beer, wine, and spirits distribution market competition and structure.

Referred to committee
#commerce #liquorcontrol
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Bill Summary · SB 23

Legislative bill overview

SB 23 proposes revisions to Ohio's Alcohol Franchise Law, which governs the relationships between alcohol producers/wholesalers and retailers. The bill was introduced by Senator Andrew Brenner and is currently under committee review. Without access to the specific language of the amendments, the precise changes cannot be detailed, but franchise law revisions typically address supplier-retailer contract terms, termination rights, or market access.

Why is this important

Alcohol franchise laws directly impact the structure of the beer, wine, and spirits distribution system and affect competition dynamics between large and small retailers. Changes to these laws can influence prices consumers pay, market entry for new businesses, and the balance of power between producers and local retailers.

Potential points of contention

  • Supplier vs. retailer power balance: Revisions could shift negotiating leverage, with retailers advocating for stronger protections against abrupt contract termination while suppliers want operational flexibility
  • Market consolidation concerns: Changes might either facilitate or restrict the ability of large chains to dominate alcohol retail, affecting independent and small business operators
  • Interstate commerce implications: Ohio's franchise law changes could have ripple effects on how national and regional distributors operate across state lines, given varying state regulations

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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