PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – The Oregon Liquor Control Commission is looking to add as many as 17 new liquor stores.
Commissioners voted Thursday to accept proposals starting in October.
The OLCC says it’s open to a variety of business models, including a liquor store within an existing business.
OLCC officials say the Portland metro area is particularly underserved, with just one liquor store per 25,000 residents compared with 16,000 statewide.
The OLCC has a monopoly on liquor sales in Oregon. Liquor stores are independent businesses that earn a commission on every sale.
The OLCC has for years resisted efforts by grocery stores to privatize the liquor system. Grocers backed off on a 2014 privatization ballot measure but are considering another push in 2016.