The Ohio Investigative Unit enforces Ohio’s alcohol, tobacco, and food stamp fraud laws. OIU agents are responsible for investigating violations relating to the liquor control act as well as criminal activity in or around liquor permit locations (bars, restaurants, carryout’s, etc.) and illegal establishments.

• Investigations may be related to locations operating without a permit, selling illegal items, drugs, gambling, weapons, property crimes, human trafficking, and other criminal activity. Agents also investigate the illegal manufacture of alcohol, as well as businesses and individuals involved in food stamp fraud. OIU partners with various federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to make communities in Ohio safer.
• Related activities may include compliance checks to ensure liquor permit premises are not selling alcohol or tobacco products to underage individuals.  OIU also conducts trace-back investigations following an alcohol or drug related incident, such as a serious injury or fatal crash to determine whether a liquor permit was involved and any individuals that may be responsible.  Because agents often conduct investigations in establishments where human trafficking may take place, they also are trained to identify potential victims and how to connect them with service providers.

Educational Efforts

Our agents have presented numerous educational programs each year through our Alcohol Server Knowledge (ASK) program for people involved in the sale and handling of alcohol on the rules and regulations that govern liquor permits and our Sober Truth program to educate middle and high school-aged students on the dangers and consequences of underage drinking.  Our ASK is now offered online and may be completed through our website. Upon passing the free training, you will receive a certificate of completion.