| Alcohol and Minors |
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| Keeping alcohol out of the hands of minors |
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Keeping alcohol out of the hands of minors is a priority for the OLCC. Here are some of the ways that we work to reduce minors' access to alcohol.
Working with grocery stores
When we receive a complaint about a store selling to minors, we contact the owner or manager, discuss the complaint with them, educate them about relevant laws and rules. Some local law enforcement agencies and OLCC conduct checks for sales to minors. This program reduces the illegal sale of alcohol to minors and raises the public awareness level.
Preventing alcohol furnishing
Furnishing is when anyone gives/sells/makes available alcohol to a minor. This can be through a shoulder-tap, or the furnisher may be a friend, relative, or some other adult through whom the minor can obtain alcohol.
OLCC works hard with grocery store owners to prevent furnishing. We help licensees spot furnishers, and prevent those sales. Furnishing alcohol to a minor is illegal, whether the furnisher is a sibling or a stranger. Penalties for furnishing alcohol to a minor are: first conviction: $350 fine. Second conviction, $1000 fine. Third or subsequent conviction: a fine of $1000 and not less than 30 days of imprisonment (ORS 471.410).
Reduce the use of fake ID
Kids use a variety of methods to obtain false identification which shows them to be older than 21. ORS 165.805 makes it a Class C misdemeanor for anyone to misrepresent their age. Upon conviction, driving privileges will be suspended for up to one year (hardship provisions for driving to and from work are possible).
Some common methods minors use to obtain/falsify identification:
- alter their own valid ID by cutting/switching numbers to show an earlier date of birth
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borrow identification of an adult (older sibling, relative) and pretend to be that person
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use computer desk-top programs to create valid-appearing ID
- use an older sibling or relative's birth certificate, take to DMV and get a new license with the minor's photo, but sibling's name and other info
- purchase ID from magazine or other source
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| What you can do |
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Call us if you think a store is selling to minors. The more information you have, the more effective we can be in stopping it.
Get as much information as you can when you see or suspect someone has furnished alcohol to a minor, whether the furnishing was at a party or at a licensed business. The old "who, what, when, where, why, and how" questions are your best process to follow.
Give us the information as soon as possible. Our Portland metro (Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington counties) number is: 503-872-5070. Call toll free from anywhere in the state: 800-452-6522. Wednesday and Thursday we have a dispatcher or staff available until 12:00 am, Tuesdays until 7:30 pm and Friday and Saturday until 2:00 am. You can also contact your local police department.
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