LOC News
OLCC Seeks Public Comment on Alcohol Pricing
The Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) is seeking public comment on proposed minimum pricing for distilled spirits in Oregon. The current lowest price for a 750 ml bottle of an 80 proof (40% alcohol) spirit is $6.39.
According to OLCC staff, out of the 9,500 items in the agency’s inventory, there are 41 items which account for 15% of liquor sales. The new draft pricing schedule would increase the minimum price for those bottles to $8.95.
A component of the LOC’s goals on behavioral health care improvements includes addressing the overconsumption of alcohol. A report issued by the Oregon Health Authority in 2019 found that Oregon’s alcohol-related deaths had increased 34% between 2001 and 2017 to 40 per 100,000.
The window for public comment on the proposed minimum pricing opened on January 29 and will close March 15.
**Please be advised that the LOC will be circulating a letter and asking for individual member support.
Contact: Scott Winkels, Lobbyist - swinkels@orcities.org
Last Updated 2/5/21