Oregon’s laws about liquor can be a bit puzzling when figuring out the cut-off time for alcohol sales.
To clarify this confusion, we took the initiative to talk to several liquor store operators across the state. We asked them – what time do they stop selling alcohol in Oregon?
Here’s what we’ve found out.
When Does Oregon Liquor Stores Stop Selling Alcohol?
Liquor shops/stores in Oregon stop selling liquor, alcoholic beverages, and mixed drinks at 2:30 AM. However, exceptions may apply, which makes their alcohol laws slightly confusing.
For instance, any liquor store operator with Oregon permit privileges for malt beverages, cider, and wine distribution can make deliveries at any time.
Also, based on Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission, liquor stores should be open for at least 8 hours a day but cannot close later than 10:00 PM [1].
Retail services personnel closely monitors the state’s liquor inventory and liquor stores’ daily operations. They hold a monopoly over the packaged distilled spirits sale.
“Oregon’s alcohol laws: strict shield for safety, respect, and responsibility.”- Liquor Laboratory
On the other hand, based on their alcohol laws, off-premises sales license holders are permitted to sell beer and other alcohols until 2:30 AM only (including off-premises consumption or off-site drinking).
In specific cases, Category I – Commercial Service Airports can sell alcohol until 7:00 AM for ticketed airline passenger with same-day boarding pass.
What Are The Alcohol Laws In Oregon?
Oregon’s alcohol laws encompass a range of provisions, including alcohol sales hours and the legal drinking age.
Licensed premises are permitted to sell, serve, or allow consumption of alcoholic drinks from 7:00 AM to 2:30 AM, although exceptions exist.
Based on Oregon alcohol laws, the legal drinking age stands at 21 years [2]. A first offense brings jail time of up to one year or a fine of up to $6,250 for licensed businesses.
There are the same penalties and possible license suspension for low and high-volume businesses that sell alcohol to visibly intoxicated minors.
While retailers face liability, they can sue those who use fake IDs to buy alcohol to recover from the losses of an illegal sale.
Violations can result in penalties, including fines, community service, or even driving license suspension if your blood alcohol concentration exceeds the legal limit and you are drinking alcohol while driving (see open container laws).
In addition, any grocery store can sell beer, wine, and cider, but they are not allowed to sell alcoholic liquor. The Oregon Liquor Control Commission strictly implements these regulations.
Its Alcohol Sale Hours
Monday – Saturday
In Oregon, alcohol is permissible for sale, service, or consumption on licensed premises starting at 7:00 AM until 2:30 AM, every day from Monday to Saturday.
During this period, which begins at 7:00 AM and concludes at 2:30 AM, individuals can engage in these activities responsibly.
Sunday
In Oregon, Sunday sales of alcohol are permitted within the timeframe of 7:00 AM to 2:30 AM the following day.
This regulation allows for the sale, service, and consumption of alcoholic drinks on licensed premises during this specific period on Sundays.
Related Posts:
- When Do Liquor Stores Stop Selling Alcohon In New Mexico?
- When Do Liquor Stores Stop Selling Alcohol In Texas?
- When Do Liquor Stores Stop Selling Alcohol In California?
- When Do Liquor Stores Stop Selling Alcohol In Indiana?
Is It A Liquor Control State?
Yes, Oregon is classified as a “control state,” signifying its role as the wholesaler and overseer of distilled spirits pricing.
But let’s be clear: those who own the small business operation are not state employees but private business owners.
It’s important to note that this control pertains exclusively to liquors, while the sale and pricing of wine, cider, and beer remain outside the scope of Oregon’s control measures.
Why Are Oregon’s Alcohol Laws Confusing?
Oregon alcohol laws permit and license can be confusing.
A liquor license grants permission for alcohol-related activities like selling, manufacturing, importing, or distributing alcohol, while alcohol permits are needed for employees selling or serving alcohol.
Businesses require a license, while individuals not on a business license need an alcohol service permit.
Open alcohol container service or sale mandates an alcohol permit, often optional for off-premises businesses, except for growler filling.
For on-premises license establishments, alcohol permits are mandatory for alcohol service or sales involvement.
Also, while the legal drinking age in Oregon is 21 years old, guardians and parents can legally provide alcohol to their minor child as long as they accompany them in a private residence.
Is It A Dry State?
No, Oregon is not a dry state. However, Oregon permits the sale and consumption of alcohol, subject to its established liquor laws and regulations.
“It makes little sense for the government to be responsible for enforcement of alcohol laws.”- Pat McCormick, Oregonians for Competition Spokesperson
This includes selling beer, wine, and spirits on and off licensed premises, making Oregon a state where alcohol is legally available for purchase and consumption.
FAQs Related to What Time Do They Stop Selling Alcohol in Oregon?
How late can I buy alcohol in Oregon?
In Oregon, you can purchase alcohol until 2:30 AM.
The legal sale window for alcohol starts at 7:00 AM and continues until 2:30 AM the following day, allowing for the sale, service, or consumption of alcoholic drinks within this timeframe.
Can you drink under 21 with a parent in Oregon?
Yes, in Oregon, individuals under 21 can consume alcohol in private residences if accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.
This exception allows for responsible and supervised consumption of alcohol within the confines of a private home.
Can you buy liquor in grocery stores in Oregon?
No, you cannot buy liquor in grocery stores in Oregon. Unlike states where liquor sales are permitted in grocery stores and non-exclusive stores, Oregon restricts the sale of liquor to OLCC-run liquor stores and licensed establishments.
Liquor stores in Oregon should follow store operating procedures as mandated by the state. However, a grocery store can sell beer, wine, and cider until 2:30 AM.
Are there different alcohol sales hours for Bars and Restaurants in Oregon?
Yes, bars and restaurants in Oregon may have different alcohol sales hours, with some establishments permitted to serve alcohol until 2:30 AM, while others might have earlier closing times based on local regulations.
Can I continue drinking alcohol after the sales cut-off time in Oregon?
No, once alcohol sales end at 2:30 AM in Oregon, individuals are generally not permitted to continue drinking at licensed establishments, and any further alcohol service would be against the law.
Are there any exceptions to the alcohol sales hours in Oregon?
Some areas or municipalities in Oregon might have different alcohol sales regulations, so it’s essential to check local ordinances for any exceptions or variations.
Do gas stations and convenience stores have different alcohol sales hours?
No, gas stations and convenience stores in Oregon typically follow the same alcohol sales hours as other retail establishments, with sales ending at 2:30 AM.
Are there specific days of the week when alcohol sales end earlier in Oregon?
No, alcohol sales hours are generally consistent throughout the week in Oregon, with sales ending at 2:30 AM every day.
On A Final Note
In Oregon, the sale of alcohol concludes at 2:30 AM, marking the end of the permitted hours for purchase, service, or consumption on licensed premises.
Notably, exceptions exist: at specific Category I – Commercial Service Airports, with sales limited to ticketed passengers until 7:00 AM.
While Oregon is not a dry state, it is a liquor control state. Alcohol sellers (every retail alcohol store) must secure a license to sell authorized related items, and grocery store is not allowed to sell spirits and serve alcohol.
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