OLCC celebrates 75 years of responsible sales and service

The Oregon Liquor Control Commission is celebrating the agency’s 75th anniversary. The OLCC was established in 1933 just days after the national repeal of prohibition.

On Dec. 15, 1933, Gov. Julius Meier signed the Liquor Control Act, giving the state exclusive rights to sell distilled spirits and fortified wine as well as the authority to license private businesses to sell beer and table wine by the bottle and the glass.

"The OLCC is committed to promoting public safety and supporting economic development,” said OLCC Executive Director, Steven Pharo. “The work we do enables business people to be viable in their sale of alcohol while ensuring that customer interests are met in a socially responsible manner.”

Over the years, the OLCC has seen many successes including the Alcohol Server Education Program, Responsible Vendor Program, Clerk Training Program, and enforcement of Oregon’s Bottle Bill.

"The OLCC is committed to promoting public safety and supporting economic development." ~ OLCC Executive Director, Steven Pharo.

Since inception, the OLCC has given back $3.4 billion to taxpayers through revenue distributions to Oregon’s general fund, Oregon counties, incorporated cities and other programs. Other milestones in OLCC history include permitting women in bars, Sunday alcohol sales, and wine by the drink sales.

Click here for more key events in OLCC's history.

Comments

Can I see your ID, please?

From time to time, we receive questions on whether the OLCC requires anyone buying or being served alcohol to have a valid ID on them. The OLCC requires licensees to check ID of anyone who reasonably appears 26 years old or younger. An establishment might have a restriction on their liquor license due to a history of serving alcohol to minors or allowing minors in prohibited areas. In this case, it could be that a licensed business is required to check the ID of every person entering the establishment or being sold/served alcoholic beverages. Or, a business can choose to have a stricter ID policy than what the state requires. If you’re at a restaurant with your underage friend or relative, you might not be served - even if you have the ID to show you’re of age. Some businesses will refuse service if they suspect that you might furnish the alcoholic beverage to a minor at your table. Current accepted forms of ID include a valid state driver license with a photo; a valid DMV ID card wit

Who has the lowest liquor prices?

by Christie Scott You may have heard some say that liquor is cheaper in California. The facts are that only a handful of products are significantly lower, while most products are very competitive. In fact, after you’ve added in the California sales tax, many popular products in Oregon are actually less expensive. Many retail stores in states like California use a sales tactic called “loss leaders.” This is the practice of drastically marking down a few popular, fast-moving products to entice customers into coming into the store and purchasing other products. But then other products are likely marked higher to make up the cost difference. The OLCC does not use these techniques to entice people into liquor stores. For public safety reasons, the state does not try to encourage alcohol sales or try to entice people into the stores. The most common size bottle sold in Oregon is 750 ml also known as "fifths." Most people who purchase alcohol purchase this size - a

OLCC launches new online search tool for distilled spirits, liquor stores

Looking for a particular distilled spirits product but don’t know which liquor store carries it or where a store is located? Introducing www.oregonliquorsearch.com - a new website designed by the OLCC to enhance customer service. With the click of a mouse, oregonliquorsearch.com allows customers to search for a specific product and find which stores carry it. You can search by brand name, a distilled spirits category such as vodka or cognac, or by liquor store. Your search returns the entire list of products, size, price, and locations that carry the product. All store locations will be listed, but not all stores currently provide daily liquor inventory. Searches for liquor stores give the address, phone number, and directions through Google Maps. Liquor agents are independent contractors who have the flexibility to set their own hours. Customers can check to see their local store’s hours by searching by location. “To me, it’s all about improving customer service,” said Jim MacAlista

Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission

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