Proposed OLCC Rule for Problem Liquor Sellers Raises Some Concerns

The Oregon Liquor Control Commission today began what's expected to be a five-month hearing process toward getting enforceable compliance plans in its rule books to deal better with liquor selling establishments that are creating problems for neighbors.

Much of the testimony at the OLCC's initial hearing on the proposal, which would grant state liquor inspectors the power to get business owners to more quickly tackle alcohol-related safety issues, focused on concerns over the idea's specifics.

In an paragraph-by-paragraph review of the proposed four-part rule [PDF], representatives from businesses and safety organizations took the most issue with what they called the first part's "vague" standard in discerning when to enforce a plan.

"If you're going to be vague, you might [as well] not even have a law," said Tom Parker, representing Oregon Partnership, a drug-use prevention group.

Others suggested the OLCC have some clearer threshold both for offenses triggering a compliance plan and for determining owner "negligence." Alan Tresidder, lobbyist for Northwest Grocery Association, was among several people who suggested OLCC representatives set up a measure to better distinguish between responsible business owners and bad apples.