Passing liquor means alcohol sales on Sunday: Referendum would also extend hours during the week
Passing liquor by the drink in the upcoming city referendum would bring with it extended hours during which alcoholic beverages could be sold countywide – including beer sales on Sunday.
According to Danielle Elks, assistant director of the state Alcoholic Beverage Commission, state law would allow those with alcoholic beverage permits to remain open and sell alcohol for longer hours, regardless of if they hold a liquor license or a regular beer license. The new schedule would take effect if liquor by the drink is passed during the upcoming McMinnville referendum in November.
“Once the city passes a liquor by the drink measure, the hours for sales, both in that city and the county, liquor and beer, becomes 8 a.m. to 3 a.m., Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 a.m. on Sundays,” Elks said. “If only city establishments were able to stay open later, then it would put county establishments at a great business disadvantage. The same thing is true with liquor license holders, because it would be a great disadvantage to those who held only a beer license.”
Legal liquor failed by 10 votes in McMinnville two years ago. The election commission has received the required signatures to put the question on the city ballot this year.
Elks pointed out city and county governments could pass resolutions calling for earlier closing times. However, the alcoholic beverage license holder could file suit since the extended hours are part of state law.
Cities and counties could also try to push back alcohol sales on Sundays because the 10 a.m. start time conflicts with most church services. While this is common, establishments would still be allowed to open and sell alcohol, under state law, on Sundays at noon and remain open until 3 a.m.
As for liquor by the drink licenses, Elks said there are a variety of licenses available, with the majority of those given out by the ABC being held by hotels and restaurants. The state charges anywhere from $600 to $1,000 per year per license. The city could also charge the same amount, meaning licenses could cost the license holder $1,200 to $2,000 annually. The establishment must also post a $10,000 bond.
In addition to the fees, those wanting licenses must meet certain criteria, including that they must be a primary eating establishment. Specifically, Elks said the establishment must serve one meal per day for at least five days a week and “hold itself out to be a restaurant.” There are also size requirements which say the restaurant must seat at least 75 people.
Elks pointed out the ABC is the licensing agency for all liquor permits, meaning an establishment must first get ABC approval by passing all requirements before selling liquor. Local jurisdictions would also maintain their own alcoholic beverage boards under the liquor by the drink law.
Passage of the measure this November would allow liquor by the drink only in the McMinnville city limits. A separate referendum, for all county voters, would be needed to pass a county-wide liquor by the drink law.