June 5, 2013
The Commissioners of the Oregon Liquor Control Commission will hold a
special Commission meeting Thursday, June 6 at 7:30 a.m. via phone. At the meeting, the
Commissioners will vote on whether to continue the 50-cent surcharge on distilled spirits in
addition to a separate 25-cent surcharge increase on distilled spirits.
The Governor’s Balanced Budget for the Oregon Liquor Control Commission for the 2013-2015
biennium includes an extension of the current 50-cent surcharge on distilled spirits. OLCC
Commissioners’ action is required to continue the current surcharge levels.
The current 50-cent per bottle (25 cents per mini) surcharge is scheduled to expire June 30, 2013.
The proposed 50-cent surcharge is a continuation of the surcharge that was initiated in the 2009-
2011 biennium and extended through the 2011-2013 biennium. Should the Commissioners
approve an extension, the surcharge could continue.
If the 50-cent surcharge is continued, it is expected to generate $32.4 million for the biennium. If
the Commissioners approve an additional 25-cent surcharge, it could generate an additional
$16.2 million for the biennium. How the revenue is distributed is determined by statute and can
only be changed by the legislature.
The Commissioners will consider public comment heard at the April Commission meeting as well
as written public testimony submitted during the public comment period.
Written comments on both proposals were accepted until 5:00 PM, June 3, 2013. No public
comment or testimonials will be accepted at the June 6 telephone meeting.
Source: OLCC