There are many Oregon businesses where serving alcohol is a key part of the business model – Restaurants, bars, venues, and breweries to name a few. For alcohol to be consumed in a business, however, there are certain legal requirements that must be met. Specifically, it is necessary to obtain a liquor license from the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission. There are several steps involved in this process, including:
- Completing the packet of forms from the OLCC. This includes the filling out the application itself as well as providing personal background and business information, a floor plan, and property attestation. Those seeking a full license that includes on-premises sales will need to complete a written proposal as well.
- Paying the necessary fees. Fees can vary between locations as certain locales charge for the time needed from local government to process the application.
- Going through the approval process. In some local areas, this starts with review from the city council and even the police chief (although it can vary from place to place). After this, a recommendation will be sent to the OLCC which will finalize the approval.
- Ensuring all servers and managers have Alcohol Service Permits, which are required for them to serve alcohol in the establishment. This involves filling out forms, taking a course, and passing their permit test.
Overall, the process of getting a liquor license in Oregon typically takes 4-8 weeks. Sometimes, the process can take longer, especially if there are added steps required in one’s municipality. To better understand the process overall, it can be helpful to speak with an experienced business lawyer in the area.