Becoming a Liquor Store Operator

When a current liquor store operator leaves their role, or if the OLCC assesses an area and decides to open a new store, it creates an opportunity to serve as an independent contractor for the OLCC.

When a position becomes available for a liquor store operator, the OLCC will publicize the announcement on the website, social media, and through other digital media recruiting resources.

OLCC Website: Current Openings for Liquor Store Operators

Liquor store operators and store personnel are part of a small business operation and are not state employees.

The Retail Services Division only accepts applications for liquor store operators during the advertised period.

Store information and application forms are available on the OLCC's website. The applications have been recently updated. Please DO NOT use prior versions of forms - they will not be accepted.

You may also contact Retail Services at OLCC.RetailServices@olcc.oregon.gov or by calling 503-872-5020. Provide your name, email, and the name of the store you are interested in.

Emailed applications will be accepted as an attached PDF only – NO ZIP FILES. Electronic signatures are accepted.

A individual or legal entity is not allowed to be a liquor store operator:

If the individual, company principle or member or any member of the liquor store operator's household or immediate family has financial interest in, or business connection with the distilled spirits industry; (see ORS 471.710(3) and OAR 845-015-0118).

If an individual or legal entity is a Commission licensee however, an Off-Premises or Limited licensee (some restrictions apply) may be a liquor store operator (see OAR 845-015-0115).

Only applicants 21 years old or older are considered for a liquor store operator opening. Applicants are evaluated on the following:

Retail business experience including responsibility for inventory control, cash accountability, supervising personnel and customer service;
Knowledge of retail operations or business management, including study or training in those or related fields;
Customer service skills and ability to communicate and work effectively with the public;
Record of felony conviction, conviction of crime relating to money management fraud, or a history of conviction of crimes relating to the abuse of alcohol or controlled substances;
Financial ability to purchase or lease and equip the retail liquor store at an OLCC-approved location. The applicant's ability to provide the necessary funds to meet the operating expenses of the retail liquor store for two months, pay a resignation buy-out and other related expenses, and be bonded under the OLCC's blanket position fidelity bond.