SB 317 VOTE: NO
Signed into Law by Gov Brown on 06/11/2021
Status (overview) of bill: https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2021R1/Measures/Overview/SB317
This bill allows holder of full on-premises sales license to make retail sales of mixed drinks and single servings of wine in sealed containers for off-premises consumption. Defines “mixed drink” and “sealed container.”
Personal Choice and Responsibility
Alcohol use and abuse is the underlying cause of many health issues, divorced families, suicide and senseless crimes. Why would a state encourage such activity only to make tax payer responsible for health care and addition treatment?
Limited Government
A full on-premises sales license from the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) allows the holder to sell wine, malt beverages, cider, and distilled liquor by the drink for consumption on the licensed premises with certain exceptions for consumption off the licensed premises only for malt beverages, wines, and cider. Enacted during the 2020 3rd Special Session, SB 1801 allows a full on-premises sales licensee to sell and deliver mixed drinks and single servings of wine for off-premises consumption if sold in a sealed container. Rules adopted by OLCC must allow for not more than two beverages per substantial food item ordered. SB 1801 (2020 3rd S.S.) sunsets 60 days after the expiration of the Governor’s COVID-19 state of emergency. SB 317A allows a full on-premises sales licensee to sell and deliver mixed drinks in a sealed container for off-premises consumption beginning January 1, 2022. Sales must be made directly to the consumer, although delivery may be made through a third party. The measure allows OLCC to adopt rules establishing additional requirements for the retail sale of beverages for off-premises consumption.
Free Markets
Many states did as Oregon did with temporarily allowing cocktails-to-go. In Ohio, Iowa, DC and Oklahoma, the cocktails-to-go and wine by the glass privilege has been made permanent. Oregon’s hospitality industry is a long way from recovery, but where does this leave bars and restaurants liable for serving too many drinks only to allow customers to take it on the road.
Usually I agree with recommendations here, but I think free markets are better than OLCC regulations. Prohibition doesn’t stop people from breaking the law. We already have laws prohibiting drinking and driving. I don’t see that this is much different than allowing re-corked bottles of wine.