Oregon Public Broadcasting

The Oregon Liquor Control Commission rejected a proposal Thursday to make it easier for music clubs to stage shows for all-ages.  Commissioners appeared concerned that the change would also make it easier for kids to get booze.

But the OLCC left the door open for a change in the future.  As Colin Fogarty reports, commissioners sent liquor control staff to come up with a new proposal next year.  

Oregon’s liquor control laws allow alcohol to be served at some shows  where minors are in the audience.  But it’s limited to clubs like Portland’s Aladdin Theater or Crystal Ballroom.

Those are large enough that the bar is physically segregated far from the dance area.  But if Portland bands like Stars of Track and Field wanted to play a smaller venue, tough luck getting fans under 21 in the door.

But the same rules aimed at keeping beer out of the hands of minors listening to this band also makes it difficult for the Portland Center for Performing Arts to allow patrons to sip wine in their seats.

The Center’s Robin Williams told the Oregon Liquor Control Commission theater managers allowed that for five years until they found out they were violating OLCC rules.  Williams asked the panel to change  the rules to make intermission a more relaxing experience.

Robin Williams:  "When you only have 15 minutes to go to the bathroom and purchase a drink, if you so chose, and then you’re having to slam it down before you go into the venue, the opportunity to go and sit in your seat and sip on your beverage during a performance is highly desirable by many of our patrons."

Liquor control commissioners appeared sympathetic to Williams' plea.  But they also heard from  music fans, who complain that Oregon teens don’t have enough access to live shows.

Cary Clark is a middle school teacher in Portland.  He’s also a music reviewer for the Portland Mercury.  He told commissioners that giving teens a place to see live music would make them less likely to drink, not more.

Cary Clark:  "In my experience, the single greatest risk factor for kids getting into trouble substance abuse or binge drinking, these kinds of activities is boredom.  The single greatest thing we could do to decrease underage drinking in my opinion is providing more safe regulated fun entertaining engaging activities for kids to be involved with."

The OLCC also heard from musicians, who say the current rules are bad for business.  But commissioners were skeptical of any change that would put minors in the vicinity of alcohol.

OLCC chair Phil Lang said whenever that happens, “we see problems.”

Testifying against the proposal was Judy Cushing, with the anti-substance abuse group Oregon Partnership.  She said the OLCC simply doesn’t have enough inspectors to police more all ages shows.

Judy Cushing: "We caution you to be very, very careful when you’re looking at this rule to look at the sheer access that children and teens will have to alcohol, whether it’s intended or not, it just begins to open the barn door."

The majority of the commissioners appeared to agree and voted down the proposed rule change.  However, the panel did vote to carve out an exception for performing arts centers.

So drinking cocktails or wine at the symphony may become a little easier.  As far as all ages shows at intimate venues for bands like Stars of Track and Field, the commission sent OLCC staff back to the drawing board. 

The agency may consider a new proposed rule change next year.