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To view the contents of this post, you must be authenticated and have the required access level.

To view the contents of this post, you must be authenticated and have the required access level.

To view the contents of this post, you must be authenticated and have the required access level.

To view the contents of this post, you must be authenticated and have the required access level.

Thanks to all of the hospitality community for, once again, supporting the 15th annual Buckeye Bar Expo.

There are topics that are always fun or educational to hear about. Then, there are aspects of the input from members that turn into a call for action. We heard that loud and clear on the issue of more “new Keno” machines from the Lottery.

We received responses from almost 100 participants asking for three or more “new Keno” machines. This was expressed at many parts of the show. In addition, following the show we heard from others. We estimate that the existing call for more machines just to the OLBA to be somewhere over 600 requests.

Interestingly enough, the exhibit that was most in demand was the Ohio Lottery showcasing their new Keno device. Bar and bowling proprietors flocked to the exhibit to see the latest in technology that the Lottery has to offer. The first 1,000 machines were placed in locations this past summer and the results have been outstanding. Locations that didn’t receive one of the initial units are desperate to quickly receive a machine.

“Sometimes our members aren’t sure about approaching the Lottery, so we brought the Ohio Lottery to them. It was very successful.” said OLBA President Kathy Bean.

Kenny Rehm, owner of Kenny’s Sports Bar in Cincinnati, said he came to the expo just to hear more about the devices. He said a bar owner near him has been trying unsuccessfully to get the new games. He desperately needs to get a machine for his bar to remain competitive with the growing gaming landscape in Ohio.

Any bar that is interested in obtaining the new machines should call the Ohio Lottery at 800-686-4208.

If you have questions about what kind of games that you can offer legally in your bar, then contact the OLBA state office at 800-678-5995. Kevin Braig, partner at Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, is ready to help. He practices gaming law with an emphasis on skill-based amusement machines, charitable gaming, daily fantasy sports wagering, sports betting and software development related to all types of gaming.

Phil Craig is executive director of Ohio Licensed Beverage Association, 37 W. Broad St., Suite 480, Columbus, Ohio, 43215, 614-224-3840 or 800-678-5995.

The Division of Liquor Control is anticipating another successful holiday season this year with specialty gift items and products, which are perfect for the fall season and a long-standing tradition for the liquor industry. Each year at this time, suppliers make a variety of these gift-giving ideas available for Ohio consumers.

Fall and the holidays always bring out new options. This year, we are seeing growth in items such as Crown Royal flavors and small batch American whiskey, while bourbons and craft sprits continue to be hot sellers.

Suppliers submitted products in July that were tailored toward the holidays. After reviewing these products, the division selected items that include a range of brands and prices that have the potential to appeal to Ohio consumers celebrating the holiday season.

For the 2016 holiday season, 56 holiday gift packs were selected for sale in Ohio’s contract liquor agencies. These value-added gift packs include not only the particular brand of liquor, but also contain distinctive accessories and other collectibles, such as glasses, snifters, shakers, flasks and decanters. Prices for all of the holiday items range from $10 to $90. The distribution of holiday gift products to contract liquor agencies is determined based on past sales of these types of items and special requests for particular products.

The division seeks to offer a diverse selection of holiday products that meet and exceed the needs of all Ohio consumers, continuing a holiday tradition of providing Ohio’s adult consuming public a variety of seasonal products and a high level of customer service.

With the many celebrations that are part of the holiday season, it is critical that all businesses selling alcohol practice safe, legal and responsible sales. Educate and train your employees to prevent sales to anyone who is intoxicated or underage. Make a commitment to taking proactive measures to help make this a safe holiday season for everyone.

Please visit our website at www.com.ohio.gov/liqr for a list of new products, holiday gift items and social responsibility resources.

Gerry O’Neil is chief of Agency Operations for the Ohio Division of Liquor Control.