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OLCC Liquor Licensing

Liquor Licensing FAQs
What is the process of obtaining a liquor license?
 
General Overview of the Licensing Process 
To find out who you will work with, how long it will take and how to begin the process, contact the local OLCC office where your licensed business will be located.  Click here for office contact information. 

Where are the forms I will need to apply for a liquor license?
 
Licensing Forms (in alphabetical order)
When do I pay the license fee?
 
Do notpay the license fee at the time you apply for the license, unless you are eligible for and want a 90-day temporary authority to operate.
 
License fee are collected when your license is issued.

I have a criminal record. How will that affect me?
 
As part of the application process you must submit an OLCC Individual History form and disclose your background and the OLCC will run a background check. 
 
DUIIs, drug or felony convictions and misdemeanor criminal activity are things the OLCC will look at, but they may or may not make you ineligible for a license.  Some of the other considerations are:  the amount of criminal activity in your past, how long it has been since you got the convictions, whether you’ve had alcohol or drug treatment and whether you told OLCC about the arrests and convictions.   In any case, you are required to answer questions about your background.  This issue becomes more serious if you make false statements or don’t fully disclose your history. 
 
You can call and talk to a license investigator about your history, but they will only be able to give you their best guess. License decisions about an applicant with a criminal background are considered on a case by case basis.
 

What if my new business has a history with OLCC?
 
It is possible that the history of problems and violations at the business will affect your application.
 
To find out about the history of problems and violations at the business, contact your local OLCC office. 


What part do neighbors and the local city/county play?
 
OLCC notifies the local city/county or neighbors of your application and allows them the opportunity to give us information they feel is important regarding you and your application.  For most applications the city/county and neighbors will get their comments to the OLCC in about four to six weeks.

How do I make changes to my existing, licensed business?
 
Making changes to your licensed business 
 
 

What are the rules for advertising Happy Hour?
Happy Hour Advertising Guidelines
How can I get licensed to sell hard liquor?
In Oregon, distilled spirits (hard liquor) by the bottle are sold only in retail liquor stores. The State owns the distilled spirits in each store.

Independent contractors (liquor store operators) are responsible for the stores' daily operations. Liquor store operators and their employees are part of a small business operation and are not state employees. Store operators are appointed by the OLCC. The process for becoming a store operator is open and competitive to those who meet the qualifications.
 
More about Oregon Liquor Stores and Distilled Spirits
Does my wedding reception need a liquor license?
If you are planning a wedding and thinking about serving alcohol, you may be wondering if you need a liquor license.

You don't need a liquor license if you are serving alcohol, but not accepting payment or donations for it. A license is required if you will serve alcohol to your guests who will pay or donate money for their drink.

If you are using a caterer, make sure that they have a liquor license if your guests will be paying for their alcoholic beverages.

Weddings and Liquor Licensing
I still have questions. Who can I call?
 
For more information, please contact your local OLCC office.