OLCC amends rules for minors

The OLCC voted unanimously this morning to amend their rules regarding minors in establishments that serve alcohol.

The amendments affect the statutes governing minor postings-rules put in place to determine when and where minors can be in the presence of alcohol in an establishment. The previous rules place businesses in the realm of either “restaurant” or “drinking establishment,” leaving no middle area for venues such as concert halls.

Under the newly revised minor postings rules, businesses interested in allowing minors at all hours will be allowed to submit control plans that must specify exactly how they will keep alcohol out of the hands of minors in attendance.

The changes to the rules have continued to receive overwhelming support from the community, even after the initial amendment proposal was shot down in December by the commission.

Before the Commission moved to vote on the amendment, the floor was turned over to members of the public to give testimony. Kris Robison, co-owner of the Someday Lounge and Backspace, spoke in favor of the changes to the rules and lamented the lack of youth in the Portland music scene.

“This town is ready for this,” Robison said.

Check the Vanguard on Tuesday for a deeper look at the minor postings ruling and what it means for music and entertainment in Portland.