OLCC drops tap labeling rules, repeals ‘happy hour’ ad ban

At its monthly meeting Thursday, the Oregon Liquor Control Commission took action to repeal draft tap labeling restrictions and dropped a ban on advertising “happy hour” offerings.

Previously, businesses selling malt beverages on draft were required to affix a label to each tap handle.

As the brewing industry has evolved in Oregon, tap houses, breweries and others use multiple methods to list the current malt beverages on tap such as chalk boards, spreadsheets, even LED monitors, the OLCC noted.

In addition, t oday ‘s market has changed and draft systems are built much tighter, which makes affixing tap handles difficult due to space limitations.

The commission also amended its advertising restrictions to remove the prohibition on advertising price reductions for alcohol sold for on-premises consumption, also known has “happy hour” advertising.

The OLCC said the previous “happy hour” restrictions were difficult to enforce, as third parties are free to publish this information and the agency has no authority over the behavior of non-licensees.

This rule does, however, maintain the prohibitions on advertising that encourage or promote excessive or rapid consumption.