Oregon Supermarkets Push for Alcohol Privatization

The Oregonians for Competition want to bring the issue before voters.

December 18, 2013

PORTLAND, Ore. – Once again, liquor privatization has cropped up in Oregon, the Associated Press reports. Oregonians for Competition, spearheaded by supermarkets, has filed proposals that might eventually make their way to voters. In neighboring state Washington, Costco and grocery chains won a fight to privatize liquor in 2011.

The initiatives would basically let stores of at least 10,000 square feet that already stock beer and wine to sell liquor. Current liquor stores could continue to operate, plus some other small stores, like wine specialty shops, would also be able to stock spirits.

“The initiative will end the state’s outdated liquor store monopoly system and allow distilled spirits to be sold safely and responsibly in retail stores just like they are in most other states, while at the same time strengthening our state's liquor laws,” said Melinda Merill, a spokeswoman for Fred Meyer Stores.

Oregon’s state liquor system dates back to the end of Prohibition, creating state-licensed stores in which liquor is sold at state-sanctioned prices. The liquor commission said changing the system would hurt craft distillers, and result in high liquor prices and less state revenue.

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