OLCC reports record 2019-21 revenue for state programs, local communities

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Oregon’s small business liquor store operators continue to generate more income for themselves and increased funding for programs benefiting all Oregonians, according to the latest figures from the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission. 

At their Thursday meeting, commissioners reviewed a presentation showing year-over-year gains in revenue that provided over $600 million between 2019-2021 to fund statewide public programs including addiction services, public safety and schools.

Here's the rest of the OLCC news release, and the presentation:

“I’m amazed at how much we do every day and how much of the economy and business activity we affect,” said OLCC Executive Director Steve Marks. “That revenue produces public programs for Oregon and all the jobs and private businesses that we enable, while ensuring it’s all done safely.”

The OLCC also generates revenue by collecting alcohol licensing fees and overseeing the state’s alcohol privilege tax program where brewers and wineries pay an alcohol production fee. These two programs generated $58 million dollars over the past two years.

Oregon’s unique small business approach provides an opportunity for Oregonians to operate and manage liquor stores; as a contractor of the state these small businesses sell liquor at a set rate statewide. These small businesses continue to see year-over-year growth, with sales in 2021 up 6 percent.

Liquor sales contribute the third-largest amount of revenue to state funding, after the State Lottery, and personal and corporate taxes. OLCC-generated revenue remains the second-largest financial contributor to cities and counties.

In addition, sales at OLCC-licensed cannabis retailers topped $1.1 billion, generating more than $170 million in state sales tax revenue to support addiction services and other state programs.