Wholesale Laws for Oregon
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Last Updated: Jan. 11, 2024
Summary
The Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) is an independent state agency under the Governor. The Commission is the agency responsible for regulating the sale and service of alcoholic beverages and regulating the sale of recreational marijuana in Oregon.
Beer and wine are distributed through private wholesalers. Oregon has control of spirits at wholesale. Spirits are only sold in retail liquor locations operated and managed by state-appointed liquor agents who act as independent contractors.
Laws & Rules:
- ORS Chapter 471 – Alcoholic Liquors Generally
- ORS Chapter 473 – Wine, Cider and Malt Beverage Privilege Tax
- OLCC Administrative Rules – Chapter 845
- OLCC Laws and Rules page (Information on the rulemaking process and recent rule changes.)
Supplier Licensing
Required: Yes
Name: Certificate of Approval
Fee: $350
Expiration: Dec. 31st (5 year permit)
A Certificate of Approval (CERA) is required for selling to a licensed wholesaler in the state and is approved for a five year period.
Resources:
Product Registration
Required: No
Oregon law does not require you to obtain prior OLCC approval, unless the label is a private label. Private labels contain an Oregon retailer’s trade name, trademark, or other words or symbols identifiable with a retailer.
Franchise "Monopoly Protection" Law
Franchise Law: No
Exclusive Territories: Not Required
Oregon does not have a franchise law for wine.
Supplier Reporting Requirements
Required: Yes
Name: Statement Of Wine Imported
Due Date: Monthly, by the 20th
A Certificate of Approval holder must file a monthly statement listing wine imported to Oregon wholesalers with the Commission.
Resources:
Sales Representative Licensing
Available: Yes
Fee: $23
Expiration: 5 years from issue date
Representatives who solicit wholesale orders for wine, cider or malt beverages in Oregon are NOT required to have a license, provided they do not conduct tasting or pour or serve alcoholic beverages on a licensed premises.
An Oregon Service Permit is required for employees or agents who conduct tasting or serve alcohol at any licensed premise in the state.
Beginning May 1, 2018, all service permit applications must be submitted through the Alcohol Service Portal on the OLCC website. Paper applications are no longer accepted. The total cost for submitting an Alcohol Service Permit Application is the standard fee of $23 plus a convenience fee of $5.65. The Alcohol Service Permit has a fee of $23 plus a $5.65 “portal provider fee” and is valid for 5 years.
Resources:
Self-Distribution
Allowed: Yes
License: Required
License Fee: $200
License Expiration: Dec. 31st of each year
Label Registration: Not Required
Excise Tax: Required
Reporting: Required
A Direct to Retailer Permit (Replaces Wine Self-Distribution Permit) may sell at wholesale and transport malt beverage, wine or cider that the permit holder produced, fermented, manufactured or blended directly to Oregon retailers when certain requirements are met.
There is no limit on the amount of wine that can be shipped to a retailer.
Applicants need to either obtain a minimum bond of $1000 or a bond waiver. Additionally, Oregon does not impose privilege (excise) tax on the first 40,000 gallons, or 151,000 liters, of wine sold annually in Oregon from a US manufacturer of wines producing less than 100,000 gallons, or 379,000 liters, annually. All records must be kept for at least two years.
Resources:
- Direct-to-Retailer Permit Application (replaced Wine Self-Distribution Permit)
- Direct-to-Retailer Overview
- Direct to Retail (DTR) /Wine Self Distributor(WSD) Reporting
Oregon Liquor & Cannabis Commission
9079 SE McLoughlin Blvd.
Portland, OR 97222
Phone: (503) 872-5000
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