Oregon: Are happy hour drink specials legal?
Oregon allows happy hours but bans drink discounts from midnight to 2:30 a.m. and unlimited drinks for a fixed price.
An OLCC rule bans cutting a drink's price below the bar's usual price between midnight and 2:30 a.m. It also bans unlimited drinks for a set price and drinking games. Bars that charge a cover or buy-in may not sell drinks to those patrons below cost. Discounts at other hours are allowed.
Conditions
- No drink discounts from midnight to 2:30 a.m.
- No unlimited drinks for a fixed price
- No below-cost drinks for patrons paying a cover or buy-in
- No drinking games or contests
What the law says
Promotions. The following practices are prohibited: (A) The sale, offer or service to any person of an unlimited number of alcoholic beverage(s) during any set period of time for a fixed price; ... (C) Price reductions on alcoholic beverages by the drink from 12:00 midnight until 2:30 a.m. A price reduction is a lower price as compared to the usual, customary, or established non-discounted price the licensee charges for a drink of that type on the licensed premises;
Sources
- OAR 845-006-0345(13) (Prohibited conduct: promotions) Mirror of official text · law.cornell.edu
Confirm with the state
- Agency
- Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission
- Phone
- 503-872-5000
- Website
- oregon.gov
How bordering states compare
- California AllowedCalifornia has no state rule limiting happy hour drink prices, though licensees generally may not give drinks away.
- Idaho AllowedIdaho does not regulate what bars charge for drinks, so happy hour specials are allowed.
- Nevada AllowedNevada has no state law limiting happy hour drink prices at bars and restaurants.
- Washington Allowed with limitsWashington allows happy hours, but bans two-for-one style deals and drink prices below the licensee's cost.