OLCC picks five new C. Oregon retail liquor locations
Seven new retail liquor locations were selected Thursday by the Oregon Liquor Control Commission to sell distilled spirits in Central and Northeast Oregon. This addition will bring the total to 276 approved liquor stores statewide – more than 11 percent growth since retail expansion began in 2015.
The locations selected offer various business models, including adding a spirits section inside existing retail stores, as well as stand-alone full-service liquor stores.
The commissioners started the open recruitment process in August 2015 in an effort to improve customer convenience by expanding liquor sales with a measured, but consistent amount of growth.
“This is a remarkable process that the agency is undertaking,” said Paul Rosenbaum, OLCC chair. “Not only do these businesses provide added convenience for Oregon customers, but they also exhibit market-driven innovation that is indicative of Oregon’s pioneering spirit.”
“Across the nation, Oregon is revered as a state where wineries, breweries, and distilleries thrive,” said Jennifer Currin, the OLCC commissioner, for the second congressional district. “These new stores in Central and Northeast Oregon provide a great service to Oregonians in my district as well as optimizing the revenue OLCC distributes that supports critical programs at the state, county, and city levels.”
Following a 14-day public posting at each location, OLCC will make a final review before final approval, to ensure that public safety and minor control plan requirements are met. During the 14-day public posting, the OLCC will accept written public comment on individual retail liquor locations under the Oregon public comment rule, 845-015-0135.
Comments submitted will be reviewed and final decisions will be made based on OLCC’s legal authority.
Comments can be sent:
· Email to OLCC.RetailServices@Oregon.gov
· Postal mail to OLCC Retail Services, PO Box 22297, Milwaukie, OR 97269-2297
Thirty one applicants had the opportunity to present their proposals to the Commissioners on Thursday. Commissioners made their selections based on the applicants’ background, knowledge and experience in retail business management, inventory/cash management, retail sales and operation, customer service/public relations in a retail environment, and the financial ability to open and operate a retail liquor store.
Retail liquor locations are operated by independent private contractors, not state employees. The seven retail liquor locations selected are:
Newport Ave. Market
1121 NW Newport Ave
Bend
Mid-Towne Liquor Beer and Wine
740 NE 3rd St
Bend
Trails End Liquor
63450 North Highway 97
Bend
Irrigon Shell Station
300 SE Hwy 730
Irrigon
McIsaac’s
4990 Baseline Drive
Parkdale
Ray’s Food Place
635 Arrowleaf Trail
Sisters
Ferguson’s Market
8150 N Hwy 97
Terrebonne
