PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Oregon Liquor Control Commission has opened the door for up to 17 retail businesses, including convenience stores, to become liquor outlets in the Portland area.
With only one liquor outlet in the state for every 16,000 residents, the commission wants to add outlets in areas with the most disparity--Portland area counties of Clackamas, Washington and Multnomah--to improve the ratio of stores to residents to about one per 12,000.
“Oregonians have grown more sophisticated and have greater demand for modern, consumer‐friendly shopping and higher levels of convenience than ever before,” said OLCC chairman Rob Patridge. "Through open recruitment, we’re moving forward with a plan that presents a unique opportunity for the commission to increase store density while exploring new and innovative market‐driven business models where customers can purchase spirits in Oregon."
The open recruitment process is open to a variety of different business proposals that could include adding a spirits section inside existing stores, a traditional liquor store or a unique niche business, the commission said. The OLCC’s independent contractors also can apply for additional outlets under the open recruitment process.
“We’re calling on existing liquor agents and business owners to bring forward innovative proposals that showcase the entrepreneurial spirit for which Oregonians are known,” said Patridge.
The process of open recruitment is a new tool OLCC is using to foster liquor outlet proposals. However, the commission will continue to use its traditional evaluation to make decisions about the appointment of agents for each individual outlet.
Click here for more information on the OLCC's webpage.
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