Skip to main content

Oregon State Flag An official website of the State of Oregon »

Oregon.gov Homepage

Alcohol Licensing and Permits

Liquor License or Alcohol Service Permit: What's the Difference?

A liquor license is required for a person, company or business that wants to sell, manufacture, import, or distribute alcohol.

A service permit is for: 
  • A server (waitstaff, bartender, manager, etc,) working at a business that allows customers to drink alcohol on the premises (like a restaurant, bar, tavern, winery, temporary special event license, etc.) to mix, sell, or serve alcohol.
  • A manager who directly supervises servers who mix, serve, or sell alcohol to customers for drinking on the premises.
  • An owner who mixes, serves, or sells alcohol or manages servers at that business and whose name is not individually listed on the liquor license.

Still unsure? Read more...

I Want To: