Enforcement Powers Granted to Combat Establishments Defying Executive Order
Portland, OR — Commissioners of the Oregon Liquor Control Commission met today to adopt temporary rules to protect public safety and safe access. One action the Commissioners took grants the agency’s Executive Director the authority to immediately suspend and cancel the license for establishments that violate any executive order from Governor. The Governor’s March 17, 2020 Executive Order 20-07 prohibited on-site consumption of food and drink and gatherings of 25 or more people at restaurants, bars and similar establishments to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
Specifically, the Commission’s action makes it a Category II violation to, “…engage in or permit any activity that violates an order issued by the Governor relating to the manufacture, possession, sale, purchase, transportation, importation or delivery of alcoholic liquor.” OLCC’s public safety staff will be following up on all reports of establishments operating in defiance of the executive order.
Commissioners also voted to allow liquor stores and distillery tasting rooms to deliver factory-sealed containers of distilled spirits direct to consumer curbside or to their parking lots. This temporary action, done to protect the health of employees and customers, mirrors action taken by the Commission on Thursday, March 19, 2020 to implement curbside delivery rules for bars and restaurants for the sale of malt beverages, wine and cider with meals. This action aids efforts to enhance community-level social distancing and mitigation. The only change OLCC is making to policy is for curbside delivery of distilled liquor, not home delivery.
“Curbside delivery of liquor is an option for businesses to keep people safer – it’s not a mandate,” said Steve Marks, OLCC Executive Director. “It reflects a way to continue and control business for our liquor agents during these times as they manage under COVID-19. It doesn’t increase availability, but instead ensures safe access, and we will be consulting and working with law enforcement, and city and county officials, to ensure safe operation of these temporary rule amendments.”
The Commission also would like to remind licensees that the prohibition on the consumption of food and drink as part of the Governor’s Executive Order pertains to all licensed premises – whether the licensed premises is a bar, restaurant or a golf course. Even if these businesses also hold an Off-Premises Sales License, that does not allow customers to purchase beer “to go” and consume on the licensed premises.
“Every single decision that this agency is making, both for the liquor and the marijuana industries are there for the consideration of helping people make a living and continue to make a living,” said Paul Rosenbaum, OLCC Commission Chair.
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