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The Pendleton Round Up clearly represents the western lifestyle that so many Oregonians seem to embrace. Look at how successful some brands that associate themselves with the Round Up have become. Woolen Mills is a great example. To tie into your show earlier this week, how about Pendleton Whisky, a locally produced product that has been embraced by the Round-Up community and all those interested in the western lifestyle. Its great to see local Oregon Brands thrive with what is obviously such a strong Oregon tradition.

posted 2 years, 8 months ago
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Working in the liquor industry, I can understand the frustrations with the OLCC and its inefficiencies. Ideally, there is a need for a change in the way the OLCC operates. But those who want to get rid of the OLCC all together probably don’t realize two key effects that it would have on the state.

For one, the state generates approximately $150 million each year in profits that are intended for the general fund. I have yet to hear from any candidate how that $150 million would be generated in a privatized state. If it is from a tax on products or a licensing fee, it would create a scenario where consumer prices would not necessarily be lower than current prices.

Also, in terms of the restricted selection of liquors, it would only get worse in a privatized state. Not only would obscure foreign liquors be more difficult to obtain, but even many of the local liquor producers and micro distillers based out of Oregon would lose out on important distribution and their local products would be difficult to find. In other privatized states, we have seen a market where only the best selling brands supported by the largest marketing budgets are offered in most retail outlets.   

posted 2 years, 8 months ago
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