Oregon liquor outlets approved to sell beer

Oregon’s liquor board has OK’d the sale of beer in any state liquor outlet that acquires the necessary licenses, according to OregonLive.com. Oregon, specifically the Portland-area, is branded as one of craft beer’s hot spots, and it seems the Oregon Liquor Control Commission was motivated  to “modernize” its regulation in light of today’s consumer demands.

Last year, the agency gave approval for four liquor outlets around the state to start selling beer and wine as a pilot project. Apparently it’s working. Revenues at those four stores rose an average of 12 percent, compared with 7.8 percent statewide, according to OLCC data released Thursday.

“Clearly, there are no known negatives,” said Bob Rice, one of the agency’s board members. “My feeling is, we should move forward and open it to any agent who wishes to apply.”

We here at CBB wholeheartedly agree with Mr. Rice. Be sure to head over to OregonLive and read the rest of the story including reactions from around the industry.