The OLCC held a public hearing last Friday to receive comments from the public regarding changes to a proposed rule that would allow minors to attend some venues where alcohol is consumed.
The minor postings rule (OAR 845-006-0349) describes the conditions under which minors are allowed to attend concert and performing arts venues if there is drinking in the facility. Currently, the Oregon Liquor Control Commission’s rule says that minors are allowed in these venues only if alcohol drinking is relegated to the lobby or an over-21 drinking location.
Following the commission’s 3-2 vote in December against changing the minor postings rule to allow minors to attend some events where there is open alcohol consumption, the writers of the proposal returned to the drawing board and began work on a new draft. The new proposed changes to the rules attempt to clarify and strengthen the idea of a “minor control plan” that would allow businesses to specify how they would keep alcohol out of the hands of minors.
Only businesses where the predominant activity is not drinking, such as a video arcade or a concert venue, would be allowed to apply for a minor control plan.
OLCC Rules Coordinator Jennifer Hunstman opened the floor Friday morning to a handful of audience members in attendance.
The proposed rule changes received vocal support at the hearing from Dan Croy, who works in the Administration of Policy and Process department of the OLCC.
“The added provisions will encourage business owners to follow their control plans,” he said, adding that in turn, the clearly stated control plans would allow for better oversight and administration of businesses by the OLCC.
Josh Olmsted and E Dominguez both spoke as representatives of the Portland youth community in favor of the changes. Olmsted said youths “feel there really isn’t any performance option for them.” To make up for this entertainment deficit, he said, many turn to the uncontrolled environment of house shows, which can be dangerous.
“Twenty percent of the population is people under 21… 20 percent of the population can’t really contribute to the venues of these artists that they are listening to,” Dominguez added.
The OLCC will accept comments from the public regarding the proposed changes until March 7 at 5 p.m. Comments can be made by mail, fax or e-mail. Contact information for the OLCC can be found at www.oregon.gov/OLCC.
The commission will meet April 17-18 to deliberate and vote on the proposal.