OLCC lets retailers sell beer, wine and cider starting at 6 a.m.

To align with stores that opened early to accommodate high-risk shoppers

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Oregon Liquor Control Commission has approved a temporary rule allowing OLCC licensed retailers to sell beer, wine and cider beginning at 6 a.m., an hour earlier than before.

The commission made the decision at its monthly meeting last Thursday as it considered the concerns of older shoppers and those with underlying medical conditions.

Some grocery stores have been accommodating Oregonians vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus by opening their doors as early as 6 a.m. for these high-risk shoppers.

Many of this segment of shoppers were unaware that sales of alcoholic beverages could start no earlier than 7 a.m. and complained to grocers and their elected representatives.

The OLCC heard concerns that vulnerable populations wanting to purchase beer, wine and cider were faced with choosing to make multiple trips to the store, or shopping when there were more customers present, thus putting these populations at higher risk.   

OLCC commissioners also adopted temporary amendments that clarify and align delivery privileges for licensees making deliveries of malt beverages wine or cider. These amendments will ease some approval requirements.

“The impact of social distancing impacted these businesses quickly and severely,” said Steve Marks, OLCC executive Director. “While these delivery methods were previously available to licensees, the commission is streamlining delivery options to enable these licensees to continue with but a fraction of the business operations that they had prior to the COVID-19 public health crisis.”