Michael E. Harper, Sr. joins OLCC's Board of Commissioners

by Joy Spencer

Michael E. Harper, Sr. has been appointed to the OLCC’s board of commissioners. Harper was nominated by Gov. John Kitzhaber and confirmed by the Oregon Senate.

Harper brings a rich background in public speaking and a passion for teamwork and collaboration to the OLCC. Harper is a graduate of North Park University in Chicago, IL and is currently an agent with State Farm Insurance. Prior to joining State Farm in 1991, Harper was forward-center for the Portland Trail Blazers NBA basketball team, and later served as the team’s Speakers Bureau Director. Harper’s also coached youth basketball for Riverdale High School, Fairview High School and Valley Catholic School.

Active in the community, Harper’s public service experience includes member of the SW Portland Rotary, Western Oregon University Foundation board member, Prince Hall Mason F & A.M. Deputy Grand Master, served on the Oregon Mortuary and Cemetery board and the State of Oregon Commission on Children and Family, as well as Founder of the Grassharper Foundation.

Harper represents the 5th Congressional District.

The five citizen commissioners are the policy-making body of the OLCC. They meet monthly for one or two days to make decisions on liquor licenses, rules, contested case hearings and appointments of liquor store agents. Commission meetings are held every other month at OLCC's main office, 9079 SE McLoughlin Blvd., Room 103A in Portland. Subsequent months, the meetings are held via phone. Agenda items can be obtained on the OLCC's Website.

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 Bend office to hold open forum town hall meeting

Bend area liquor licensees are invited to participate in an open forum to share their ideas, questions, concerns, and insights with the OLCC. Monday, June 8 @ 2:00 p.m. ODOT offices, 63055 N. Highway 97, Bend, Oregon RSVP: Bend OLCC office @ 541-388-6292 x221 “The OLCC takes pride in its commitment to communicate with all licensees and takeholders. Our overarching goal is to have licensed businesses that are safe for employees, customers, and neighbors,” said Jason Evers, Bend Regional Manager. “We’re looking forward to our town hall meeting and to hearing what’s on our licensees’ minds.” One-on-one meetings can also be arranged with Evers for those unable to attend.

Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission

Search This Blog