OLCC Feedback on Alcohol Pricing
The Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission has put out a request for public comment on a very important task force—and if you live in Oregon, you qualify. Here’s the announcement, but read on because I have more detailed information:
During the 2023 Legislative Session, the Oregon Legislative Assembly passed House Bill 3610, which … initiated the creation of the Task Force on Alcohol Pricing and Addiction Services. The measure specifies that task force members shall: 1) study alcohol addiction and alcohol addiction prevention; 2) distribution of resources for alcohol addiction treatment; 3) current overall funding for alcohol addiction treatment programs; 4) cost of alcohol addiction to the state; 5) benefits and drawbacks of imposing taxes on beer and wine; and 6) additional funding options for alcohol addiction treatment.
Task Force on Alcohol Pricing is looking for public feedback upon House Bill 3610. Please provide specific feedback on sections of the Bill and include any supporting evidence or data that may strengthen you or your organizations position. The comment period will open September 25, 2024, at 9:00 am and will close September 27, 2024, at 5:00 pm. Please include "HB 3610 Comments" in the subject line of your email for proper routing. Comments can be emailed to OLCC.Communications@olcc.oregon.gov.
The OLCC’s message is accurate, and the issues they mention are a comprehensive description of the Task Force’s consideration. Ultimately, however, the question is going to come down to a tax. Historically that has meant an excise tax on breweries levied per barrel sold, though Representative Tawna Sanchez, the principle architect of new taxes, has suggested she might instead levy it at the cash register. (This is how cannabis is taxed in Oregon, so it makes sense.) Based on previous proposals, this tax will be extreme and could do massive damage to the Oregon beer industry. This is an opportunity to let lawmakers know the costs of extreme legislation.
What to Say and How to Say It
If you own a brewery or work and one and have a strong grasp on the financials (the CFO, say), you should obviously be offering your opinions. If you are merely a person interested in the health of Oregon’s beer industry and our beer culture, please also consider writing in. (I have.) You are a citizen of the state, and have every right to voice your opinion about the laws that impact you. Remember that writing in is an act of persuasion, however. You’re hoping lawmakers will value your experience and opinions. With that in mind, here are a few guidelines about how to make your voice heard.
Describe who you are and why you’re offering an opinion. If you own a brewery, definitely let them know that. If you’re a beer fan, let them know why Oregon beer matters to you.
Explain your situation in plain language and center it on your experience. If you own a brewery, walk them through your financials and explain how a tax would impact you. That’s very valuable information—this is a mutlibillion dollar industry, and lawmakers won’t lightly take action that will destroy your business. If you’re just a citizen, highlight the great things about Oregon beer that is unique here and why you wouldn’t want to lose it.
Don’t use overheated or unnecessarily partisan or even political language. Write this like you’re trying to educate a friend about the issues. You want lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to support your position, and you don’t want to alienate them with spicy rhetoric.
Thank them for their hard work on this important issue and offer to be a resource if they would like further information.
Again, that email address is OLCC.Communications@olcc.oregon.gov, and put "HB 3610 Comments" in the subject line. Do it by Friday at 5p. Good luck!