Skip to main content

Oregon State Flag An official website of the State of Oregon »

Oregon.gov Homepage

Alcohol and Minors

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
  • borrow identification of an adult (older sibling, relative) and pretend to be that person
  • 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


Oregon's Alcohol Laws and Minors

Fact Sheet: Oregon's Alcohol Laws and Minors (pdf)
Oregon law prohibits anyone, except a parent or legal guardian, from providing alcohol to a minor or juvenile. A minor is any person under the age of 21 and a juvenile is any person under the age of 18. Parents or guardians may legally provide alcohol to their minor child or ward and only in a private residence when accompanying their minor child. A parent cannot transfer this
responsibility to another adult or provide alcohol in a public place. If you allow your property and/or home to be used for a party where minors, other than your minor child(ren), consume alcohol in your presence, you may have to forfeit property and may be issued a criminal citation.
 
ORS 165.805 Misrepresentation of age by a minor
When minors misrepresent their age, purposely are not truthful about their age to purchase alcohol, enter a lounge or evade detection by law enforcement, they are referred to juvenile court or receive a criminal citation, depending on their age. The minor may be fined. If DMV identification is used in misrepresentation, the minor’s driving privileges may be suspended for up to one year and/or the minor will have to wait for up to one year to apply for a driver’s license. (Class C Misdemeanor)
 
ORS 471.430 Minor in possession of alcohol 
When minors are in possession of alcohol, they are either holding the alcohol, have consumed the alcohol, or attempted to purchase the alcohol. They will be referred to juvenile court or receive a criminal citation. The minor will be fined and/or required to perform community service. Minors/juveniles may be sent to alcohol assessment and treatment. Minors may consume sacramental wine as part of a religious service. (Criminal Violation)
 
ORS 471.610 Confiscation of liquor and property 
When any officer arrests a person for violating a liquor law (e.g.; selling alcohol without a license) the officer may take into possession all alcoholic beverages and other property used in violation of the law. Other property that can be confiscated include: bars, glasses, chairs, tables, music devices, furniture, and equipment. This property is forfeited to the state of Oregon if the person is convicted.
 
ORS 471.620 Property or places subject to confiscation 
Any room, house, building, boat, structure or place of any kind where alcohol beverages are sold or given away in violation of the law is a public nuisance. Anyone who maintains or assists in maintaining such a place, or permits it in a place they own, manage or lease, violates the Liquor Control Act.
 
ORS 471.410(2) Furnishing alcohol to a minor 
No person shall sell, give or make alcohol available to a minor. A parent or legal guardian may provide alcohol to their minor child in a private residence as long as the parent is with the minor child. If you illegally provide alcohol to a minor, or provide alcohol to an adult that you know will make it available to a minor, you will receive a criminal citation. (Class A Misdemeanor)
 
ORS 471.410(3) Controlling an area where minors are permitted to consume alcohol
It is illegal for someone exercising control over private real property to allow any person under 21 to consume alcohol on the property in your presence. It is also illegal to allow any person under age 21 to remain on the property if they have consumed alcohol. Private real property may include a hotel room, camp site, or any rented/leased location. The only exception is for your own minor child(ren). If you control an area where minors consume alcohol, you will receive a criminal citation. (Criminal Violation)
 
ORS 471.565 Licensee, permittee and social host liability
As a licensee, permittee or social host, if you serve visibly intoxicated persons or guests, you may be held liable for damages caused by the persons or guests away from your home or licensed premises.
 
ORS 471.567 Liability for serving minors; liability of a minor for misrepresentation of age
As a licensee, permittee or social host, you may be liable for injuries caused by a minor who obtained alcohol from you when you did not properly check for identification. Minors who misrepresent their age and cause a licensee to be fined or have their liquor license suspended or revoked can be held liable for damages sustained by the licensee.



Underage Drinking Starts With An Excuse

 


OLCC and Pernod Ricard, USA partnered together for this Public Service Announcement campaign to remind parents how dangerous underage drinking can be.
 
Prom and graduation are two of the biggest memory-making events in a teenager’s life. Many parents get involved by helping pick out special clothes or extending curfew for the night. One area where parents can make the greatest impact is setting firm expectations against underage drinking.
 
The campaign, “Underage Drinking doesn’t start with a drink. It starts with an excuse,” focuses on things some parents may say to justify their teens’ drinking behavior.
 
Prom and Graduation Tips for Parents



Wasted - A video aimed at curbing underage drinking and driving

 


Sixteen-year-old Lexi Spencer knew not to drive, but made the mistake of riding in a car with someone who was too intoxicated to be driving.

This video is a testimonial by the people whose lives were profoundly affected by her death and the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Along with Lexi's mother, it is the teens who speak out, who struggle with the hard-learned lessons of underage drinking. All of their lives have been forever changed by the loss of their classmate and friend.
 
Watch the video - "Wasted"