On June 29, 2004, the Oregon Liquor Control Commission will hold a public hearing on the proposal to establish a “pilot program” that would place six new liquor stores within large grocery stores. The hearing will be held at the OLCC headquarters, 9079 SE McLoughlin Blvd. in Portland , beginning at 9:00 a.m. The proposal, identified as OAR 845-015-0199 “Liquor Stores–Within–Grocery Stores” has already created a great deal of public interest, including one hearing before the Senate Interim Committee on General Government.

Temporary rules establishing the program were adopted by the OLCC during the April Commission meeting. ONSA objected to the hasty adoption of the temporary rules without adequate public notice. The proposal was added to the Commission agenda just prior to the meeting. The temporary rules remain in effect for 180 days, May 1, 2004 through October 28, 2004; however, permanent rule changes must be adopted before the end of the 180 day period in order to implement the two-year pilot project. Copies of the temporary rules are available online: http://www.olcc.state.or.us/ — Click on Laws and Rules.

The Salem Statesman-Journal interviewed both current ONSA Chairman, Terry McEvilly and past Chairman, Chris Girard in regard to the OLCC proposal. Both ONSA representatives clearly stated ONSA's position, opposing the language which restricts the placement of the new liquor stores to ” large stores selling fresh meat and produce .” By utilizing this definition, the OLCC is discriminating against all neighborhood stores. The pilot program would allow these six new stores to operate for up to two years. One of the primary goals of the program is to determine whether this retailing approach will generate new revenue for the state and to gather data to be presented to the 2005 Legislative Assembly, allowing time for the Legislature to consider the information while making budgetary decisions.

According to OLCC, the proposal is not expected to produce “any negative economic impact on retail grocery stores (holders of Off-Premises Sales licenses)”. However, OLCC indicated grocery stores hosting the new pilot liquor stores may expect some “slight economic benefit from having more foot traffic drawn to their businesses once a retail sales agency is located on-site.”

ONSA will be submitting written comments on the proposal and other interested parties are encouraged to submit their comments by mail or fax, before 5:00 p.m. on July 13, 2004 . Refer to OAR 845-015-0199 “Liquor Stores–Within–Grocery Stores” and mail to: OLCC, PO Box 22297 , Milwaukie , OR 97269-2297 or Fax to: (503) 872-5110.

For more information or a copy of the ONSA letter, contact ONSA at: (503) 316-9638 or contact@onsa.net