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Oregon plots ‘largest’ liquor boost since Prohibition
The Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) says it has plans to implement the largest liquor store expansion programme since the end of Prohibition, a move praised by the Distilled Spirits Council trade association.
Oregon plans to implement the biggest liquor store expansion since Prohibition
In February the OLCC said it had approved three new stores, and had a further three under consideration.
In addition, it says it plans to open another 43 stories over the next two years.
There are currently 267 liquor stores in Oregon, with the Commission using net profits from distilled spirits sales for the state general fund, and for cities and counties to fund “critical programmes”.
“The OLCC has taken great steps to modernise the marketplace in Oregon and has been a collaborative partner in increasing the number of outlets where consumers can purchase spirits products,” said David Wojnar, Distilled Spirits Council vice president.
“This newest phase of the OLCC’s outlet expansion is critical to better serving 14 counties in central, eastern and northeastern Oregon. Expanding spirits sales into grocery stores and other nontraditional retail settings will better serve consumers in Oregon.
“The spirits business is a critical part of the Oregon economy and hospitality sector, providing nearly 15,000 jobs to the state. Oregon, in particular, has a booming and expanding in-state distilling sector. Continuing to modernise the marketplace will benefit consumers, Oregon’s distillers and the state’s economy.”
Steve Marks, OLCC executive director, added, “It is exciting to put the Oregon system in position to feature all the innovation and competition in the spirits marketplace. To date, the open-recruitment process has been a success for the Oregon public.
“We have approved 20 more stores over the past year, making this the largest expansion since prohibition. We are now on track to approve another 43 stores over the next two years. Our need to grow is fuelled by customer convenience and experience as well as population growth.”
Last year The Distilled Spirits Council branded a proposed spirits levy in Oregon a “stealth tax” which “unfairly targets” spirits consumers.