Oregon bar and liquor store bills may soon go up as soon as July 1. Here's why.

Oregonians will have to pay more for some of the cheapest distilled spirits sold in liquor stores starting July 1, and they also may face higher bar tabs for well drinks.

A new "price floor" for certain liquors goes into effect this summer, a move intended to stem excessive and binge drinking and one that also will raise some revenue for the state.

The Oregon Liquor Control Commission drew praise for its decision from addiction treatment and prevention advocates and liquor stores, but strong opposition from restaurant and bar owners who said the timing of the price increase could not be worse.

"They heard loud and clear from industry members across the state about increasing costs at a time of such great challenge," said Jason Brandt, president of the Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association. "It’s not the end of the world, but we were not happy about the proposal or the timing of the proposal."

Read more: https://www.registerguard.com/story/news/2021/04/24/prices-go-up-some-distilled-spirits-oregon-starting-july-1/7329981002/
(Eugene Register Guard)