Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission

 by Christie Scott Two teenage girls and a 22-year-old man were taken into custody in Portland ’s Old Town .  The two girls (ages 14 and 15) had snuck out of an overnight field trip with their school and tried to enter four Old Town bars before gaining access into a fifth bar with a 22-year-old man.     OLCC Stock Photo The two girls were spotted by a bouncer at one of the night clubs in Old Town .  When they couldn’t produce identification, they went to three other neighboring clubs, where they were also denied entry.  Out of concern, the first bar’s bouncer contacted OLCC inspectors about the two very young-looking girls when he saw them leaving with a man after the third bar.  OLCC inspectors found the two girls and the 22-year-old man at Harlem , 220 SW Ankeny ; where the girls were drinking alcohol supplied by the 22-year-old.  OLCC Public Safety Director, John Eckhart commends the bouncer for being proactive in con...

by Joy Spencer Illegal Moonshine Still near Skyline in Portland, Oregon Today, December 5, marks the 80th anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition, ending the 13-year stretch when alcohol was banned from coast to coast. In January 1920, the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution went into effect making the sale, manufacture and transportation of alcohol illegal nationally. But, many years before that - even before Oregon was a state, ‘Oregonians’ tried to control the manufacture and sale of liquor.    In June of 1844, Oregon 's provisional government enacted a prohibition law designed to “prevent the introduction, sale and distillation of ardent spirits in Oregon .”   This law remained in effect until September of 1849, when the territorial legislature repealed it.   Rather than total prohibition, Oregon passed various laws in the following decades designed to regulate liquor sales.   These acts tended to specify certain licensing criteria f...

by Joy Spencer Every year students around the country end up in hospitals from injuries caused by alcohol abuse. Keeping alcohol out of the hands of minors is a priority for the OLCC.   Working cooperatively with our partners at University of Oregon, Eugene Police Department, UO Police Department, City of Eugene, representatives from area businesses and neighborhood leaders , we each bring something unique to the table that helps educate new students and returning students about alcohol safety and liquor laws. Below are a just a few tips to help college students both under 21 and over 21 to be responsible.  Under 21? Using a Fake ID It’s a Class C misdemeanor for anyone to misrepresent their age. If you are convicted, you can lose your driving privileges for up to one year. Did you know that if you’re using someone else’s ID, the person who owns the ID can also be held responsible? College Parties Choose not to drink until you’re ...

by Joy Spencer Ninety percent of July 4th parties include setting off fireworks and celebrating with alcohol. Alcohol consumption can increase the risk of injury and make adults less able to supervise children properly during the festivities. Have non-alcoholic beverage options available. Keep the alcohol consumption under control by designating a bartender to mix the drinks. Never serve anyone underage. Never drink alcohol if you are setting off fireworks. Nominate people who are not drinking alcohol to take charge of fireworks displays. Keep guests who are drinking alcohol well away from fireworks. Consider limiting the availability of alcohol until after the fireworks display. Do not carry fireworks in your pocket to street parties or celebrations. The July 4th holiday is the also the second most-deadly holiday period of the year just behind New Year’s, due to impaired driving. Always plan ahead to make sure that you arrive home from the festivities safely. When...

by Joy Spencer Pamela Weatherspoon (3rd Congressional District) has been appointed to the Oregon Liquor Control Commission’s board of commissioners.  Weatherspoon was born in Southern California and was raised in Southern Oregon . She received her bachelor degree in Communications with a minor in Black Studies from Portland State University .  Currently, Weatherspoon is responsible for Community Relations for Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel and Legacy Emanuel Medical Center . Prior to that, she worked as the Community Relations Director and African American Mentoring Director at Big Brothers Big Sisters Columbia Northwest. She is currently engaged in the community in numerous ways including being a volunteer big sister in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, board member of the Make it Better Foundation for the Portland Trail Blazers, advisory board for the Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs and the Eliot Neighborhood Assoc...

by Joy Spencer Spring Break has arrived!   Whether you plan to stay in town or take off for some fun destination during the break, it is important to keep safety in mind. Thinking about safety may seem like common sense, but when you add alcohol it is easy to get caught up in the craziness and excitement and make poor decisions. If you are faced with the temptation to drink alcohol and “party,” don’t forget that:  There are stiff legal penalties for consuming alcohol if you under the legal drinking age of 21.   Alcohol use could result in spending spring break in the ER, hospital or morgue, or a criminal record.   Alcohol use can also lead to unplanned parenthood, sexually transmitted infection and disease.   Aspirin isn’t a magic pill.  According to a study by the American Medical Association, taking aspirin before drinking does not prevent hangovers. In fact, aspirin lowers the rate at which your body metabolizes alcohol. As...

 by Joy Spencer In the spirit of Halloween , here's a list ghoulish potions perfect for your haunted evening. You can find these spirits at Oregon liquor stores. Go to www.oregonliquorsearch.com for more information! Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum Captain Morgan Tattoo Crystal Head Vodka Dead Guy Whiskey Death’s Door Espolon Reposado Tequila Fireball Cinnamon Whisky Jim Beam Devil’s Cut Kah Tequila Kraken Black Spiced Rum Liquore Strega Lucid Absinthe Redrum Voodoo Spiced Rum SinFire Whiskey Stein Seven Devils Rum Tarantula Azul Tarantula Plata Tequila Tequila Chamucos Anejo Especial Have a safe Halloween! Don't drink and drive, and please celebrate responsibly!