Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission

by Joy Spencer The OLCC has launched a new public service campaign to remind Oregonians about the dangers of binge drinking. The campaign, created by distilled spirit supplier Pernod Ricard USA, features a 30-second television spot aimed at dismissing common excuses used to binge drink. “Binge drinking is a problem that affects a variety of age groups and can be very, very dangerous,” says Rudy Williams, OLCC Deputy Director of the Public Safety Services Program. “The partnership we have with Pernod Ricard USA on this campaign allows our agency to raise awareness about the myriad of excuses people use to perpetuate the myth that binge drinking is socially acceptable.” “Pernod Ricard USA is pleased to partner with the OLCC in this campaign, which aims to reduce excessive alcohol consumption,” says David Jackson, VP Control State Strategy, Pernod Ricard USA. “We encourage enjoyment of our brands but reject inappropriate consumption in any form.” The campaign airs on KPTV-12 in...

by Joy Spencer OLCC debuts two Public Service Announcements for the holidays The OLCC has launched a campaign to promote responsible drinking during the holidays. The campaign features two 30-second public service announcements aimed at reminding Oregonians that holiday drinking and party planning can be handled in a responsible and sensible manner so that fun and safety can be part of the holiday mix. “We want folks to have a fun, memorable holiday season. And we want them to remember it for all the right reasons,” says Rudy Williams, OLCC Deputy Director of the Public Safety Services Program. “We’re proud to say this is the third year we've partnered with local industry representatives to provide important messages about drinking responsibly during the holidays.” Safe Oregon Holidays highlights features prominent Oregon landmarks such as the State Capital, downtown Hood River, the Hawthorne Bridge and Haystack Rock. The spot will run on Oregon’s CBS affiliate, KOIN-6, and is...

by Joy Spencer The OLCC is distributing over 100,000 “Test Your Alcohol IQ” drink coasters to bars, taverns and restaurants all over the state. These colorful coasters are intended to get people’s attention while they’re eating and drinking. There are five coasters (red, purple, blue, green and orange) in each set. “This is a way for the OLCC to reach the general public in a way that is both entertaining and educational,” says Rudy Williams, Deputy Director of the Public Safety Services Program. “This is a fun way to get the public’s attention and get them thinking about being responsible for their own alcohol consumption.” Each coaster has three multiple choice trivia questions on the front plus a “did you know” fact on the back with the answers. Some trivia carry a more serious tone such as “On average, how many people in Oregon get DUIIs in a year?” or “In Oregon, the cost to taxpayers of alcohol-related injuries and fatalities is:” Some questions are more amusing such a...

by Christie Scott At a special meeting, the Commissioners of the Oregon Liquor Control Commission voted 4-1 in favor of banning alcoholic energy drinks from being sold in the state of Oregon . The decision came as a result of new information regarding OLCC’s legal options concerning alcoholic energy drinks as well as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s recent ruling. Chairman Philip Lang says the OLCC has been concerned about the health risks of these products for some time. According to Lang, "It’s unfortunate that so many young people around the country were hurt by these products. We’re glad that we can play a role in preventing that from happening here in the future.” The seven products affected by the ban include Core High Gravity HG Green, Core High Gravity HG Orange, Lemon Lime Core Spiked, Moonshot, Four Loko, Joose, and Max, which were determined to be “adulterated” products by the FDA because they contain the “unsafe food additive” of caffeine. The ban on...

by Joy Spencer Halloween night is one of the deadliest of the year for impaired drivers and their victims. In 2008, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 58% of all highway fatalities across the nation on Halloween night (6 p.m. October 31 to 5:59 a.m. November 1) involved a driver or a motorcycle rider with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher, which is illegal in every state. The OLCC reminds party-goers, party planners and business owners to plan ahead for Halloween safety. Don’t serve alcohol to minors. The legal drinking age is 21 and, as a host, it is your responsibility to make sure minors aren’t drinking. If you’re going to drink alcohol, make plans now for a safe ride home. Party hosts should provide lots of food and non-alcoholic drinks to help guests pace themselves. Bars or restaurants that are hosting costume parties, should make that sure customers are recognizable without masks and elaborate make up when checking I...

by Joy Spencer Election Day is Tuesday, November 2, 2010. In Oregon, alcohol sales are not restricted on Election Day. Liquor stores are open, operating as usual during their normal business hours. Please call your local liquor store to determine their normal operating hours. Phone numbers are available at the OLCC’s Web site . You can also search products and stores on http://www.oregonliquorsearch.com/ .

by Joy Spencer The OLCC has launched " First Call " - a program designed to help businesses with a new liquor license, or where there has been a change of ownership. The program came about as a result of the agency’s statewide outreach meetings with licensees, local law enforcement and local government personnel over the last year. A key component of the program will involve visits by OLCC inspectors within 90 days of the business being licensed. Inspectors will provide information on alcohol education and liquor laws, and provide businesses with resources, tools and training to help them be successful. “ First Call " will give people a great start where they can succeed economically and operate a safe business, said Rudy Williams, OLCC Deputy Director of Public Safety Services. Program topics include: Common violations and how to prevent them Alcohol sales to minors – preventing minors from obtaining alcohol Free training opportunities available throu...