Oregon has strict liquor laws that vary from other states. Beer and wine can be purchased at any grocery store or corner store with a license to sell it, but liquor is only available at designated liquor stores. In Portland, Oregon, most liquor stores close at 7 pm, but some remain open until 10 pm. Interestingly, bars close at 2:30 am, and alcohol can be purchased at grocery stores until this time. However, some grocery stores may stop selling alcohol earlier, locking up the beer case but still allowing purchases until the legal hour. The specific hours for alcohol sales at Safeway stores in Oregon can be found on their website, and they comply with all state and county laws.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Beer buying hours | 6:00 AM - 12:00 AM |
Beer availability | Available at grocery stores |
Beer availability | Available at corner stores with a license to sell it |
What You'll Learn
Beer and wine can be bought at any time in a grocery store in Oregon
Oregon has some unique liquor laws. Beer and wine can be bought at any time in a grocery store in Oregon, but spirits are only available at designated liquor stores. Grocery stores in Oregon are not permitted to sell spirits. This is in contrast to some other states, such as Nevada, where any type of liquor can be purchased in grocery stores and other retailers like Walmart, Target, and CVS pharmacies.
In Oregon, the state liquor agency, the OLCC, owns the entire stock of liquor and licenses small business owners to sell it. This means that liquor prices are fixed across the state, and there is excellent availability of high-end and obscure liquors. The OLCC website allows users to search the entire state's inventory and find specific bottles at the best price.
While beer and wine are available at any time in Oregon grocery stores, some sources state that the cut-off time for purchasing alcohol in the state is 2:30 am. However, it is unclear whether this applies to grocery stores or only to liquor stores, which tend to close early.
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Liquor stores in Oregon close early
In Oregon, liquor stores close early, with most shutting their doors at 10 pm. This is due to the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission's (OLCC) regulations, which state that a retail license only permits liquor sales during specific times, typically between 7:30 am and 10 pm. Bars are allowed to serve liquor until 2:30 am.
The early closing time is often a surprise to those who work night shifts or non-traditional hours and need to buy alcohol outside of regular working hours. While some may find it inconvenient, there is a reason behind this decision. The OLCC and local authorities believe that after a certain hour, typically around midnight, people may not be responsible enough to purchase alcohol. Crime data also shows that crime rates increase significantly between 12 am and 6 am.
Some larger or more corporate liquor stores may close at 11 pm, but the majority of liquor stores in Oregon will be closed by 10 pm. This means that if you're looking to purchase alcohol in the state, it's best to do so before 10 pm to avoid disappointment.
Additionally, the hours of alcohol sales are subject to change, especially on holidays, so it's always a good idea to call ahead and check with the store before making a special trip.
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Oregon has strict liquor laws
The OLCC sets the prices of liquor across the state, and there are a limited number of retailers, with only one or two stores per area. This can make purchasing liquor less convenient, as there are fewer locations to buy from, and the stores may be further away. However, because there are fewer retailers, the inventory and variety of liquor available at these stores can be impressive, with a wide range of high-end and obscure liquors from around the world. The OLCC website allows customers to search the entire state's inventory and find specific products, which ensures that consumers know exactly where to find what they want and how much it will cost.
While liquor laws are strict, beer and wine can be purchased from grocery stores and convenience stores, and are not subject to the same level of regulation. However, there may be some variation in the cut-off time for purchasing beer and wine, with some sources stating that sales can occur up to 2:30 am, while others indicate that alcohol sales hours are subject to change.
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Oregon is a control state
Oregon is one of 17 US states that have a state monopoly over the sale of some or all categories of alcoholic beverages. These are known as alcoholic beverage control states, or control states. Oregon's history of regulating the sale and consumption of alcohol dates back to 1844, when the Oregon territories voted to prohibit alcoholic beverages. This was repealed in 1845, but prohibition was reinstated in 1915, four years before the national alcohol prohibition.
In Oregon, beer and wine can be sold in supermarkets and convenience stores. However, spirits must be sold in liquor stores operated and managed by state-appointed liquor agents who act as independent contractors under the supervision of the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC). The OLCC has strict guidelines and training to ensure that all licensed venues understand how to sell and serve alcoholic beverages responsibly.
Alcohol laws in Oregon permit the sale of beer, wine, and liquor for on- or off-premises consumption between 2:30 a.m. and 7 a.m. Alcohol may be purchased between 7 a.m. and 2:30 a.m. for consumption at the premise it was sold, or between 6 a.m. and 2:30 a.m. if it is bought and taken off the premise.
Oregon has thriving industries producing beer, wine, and liquor. In 2007, Oregon wineries produced 1.7 million cases of wine, generating $207.8 million in sales. Portland, Oregon, is considered the microbrew capital of the world, and the state has produced several award-winning beers.
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Beer and wine can be bought at Safeway Oregon City and Safeway SE Powell Blvd from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m
If you're looking to buy beer or wine in Oregon City, you can head to the Safeway branch on Colton Pl. The store's alcohol selling hours are from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Do note that these hours are subject to change, so it's always a good idea to check with the store directly or refer to their website for the most up-to-date information.
For those in Portland, the Safeway branch on SE Powell Blvd also offers a wide range of beer and wine options. Similar to the Oregon City location, their alcohol selling hours are from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Again, it's worth noting that these hours may change, so checking directly with the store or their website is recommended.
Both the Oregon City and SE Powell Blvd Safeway locations provide a convenient one-stop shopping experience, ensuring you have everything you need for your next BBQ, game night, or intimate date. Whether you're a beer lover or a wine enthusiast, you're sure to find something to suit your taste.
So, whether you're in Oregon City or Portland, Safeway has you covered for your beer and wine needs, with a range of options available during their respective selling hours.
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Frequently asked questions
Beer and wine can be purchased at any licensed corner store or grocery store in Oregon until 2:30 am.
Some places in seedier locations will lock up the beer case, but you can still buy it until the legal hour.
Oregon is a control state, meaning that at the end of prohibition, the state opted to maintain control of liquor sales to maximise revenue and discourage overconsumption. The state sets prices and assigns franchises based on a per-capita formula.