Effective: July 23, 2004
Latest Legislation: House Bill 306 - 125th General Assembly
Every manufacturer of alcoholic beverages shall contract with or offer in good faith to its distributors a written franchise providing for, and specifying the rights and duties of both parties in effecting, the sale of the specified brands or products of the manufacturer. Any provision of a franchise agreement that waives any of the prohibitions of, or fails to comply with, sections 1333.82 to 1333.87 of the Revised Code is void and unenforceable. Any notice or acceptance required to be given or made by either party to the franchise shall be in writing and signed by the authorized representative of the parties. Any breach, actual or claimed, of a franchise made pursuant to this section shall not be grounds for suspension or revocation of any permit or supplier registration issued by the division of liquor control. When a distributor of beer or wine for a manufacturer, or the successors or assigns of the manufacturer, distributes the beer or wine for ninety days or more without a written contract, a franchise relationship is established between the parties, and sections 1333.82 to 1333.87 of the Revised Code apply to the manufacturer, its successor or assigns, and the distributor.