O
O
regon law prohibits anyone, except a parent or legal guardian,
from providing alcohol to a minor or juvenile. A minor is any
person under the age of 21 and a juvenile is any person under
the age of 18. Parents or guardians may legally provide alcohol to their
minor child or ward and only in a private residence when accompanying
their minor child. A parent cannot transfer this responsibility to another
adult or provide alcohol in a public place. If you allow your property
and/or home to be used for a party where minors, other than your minor
child(ren), consume alcohol in your presence, you may have to forfeit
property and may be issued a criminal citation.
ORS 165.805 Misrepresentation of age by a minor
When minors misrepresent their age, purposely are not truthful about
their age to purchase alcohol, enter a lounge or evade detection by law
enforcement, they are referred to juvenile court or receive a criminal
citation, depending on their age. The minor may be fined. If DMV
identification is used in misrepresentation, the minor’s driving privileges
may be suspended for up to one year and/or the minor will have to wait
for up to one year to apply for a driver’s license. (Class C Misdemeanor)
ORS 471.430 Minor in possession of alcohol/minor in
prohibited area
When minors are in possession of alcohol, they are either holding the
alcohol, have consumed the alcohol, or attempted to purchase the
alcohol. They will be referred to juvenile court or receive a criminal
citation. The minor will be fined and/or required to perform community
service. Minors/juveniles may be sent to alcohol assessment and
treatment. Minors may consume sacramental wine as part of a religious
service. (Criminal Violation)
ORS 471.610 Confiscation of liquor and property
When any officer arrests a person for violating a liquor law (e.g.; selling
alcohol without a license) the officer may take into possession all
alcoholic beverages and other property used in violation of the law.
Other property that can be confiscated include: bars, glasses, chairs,
tables, music devices, furniture, and equipment. This property is
forfeited to the state of Oregon if the person is convicted.
ORS 471.620 Property or places subject to confiscation
Any room, house, building, boat, structure or place of any kind where
alcohol beverages are sold or given away in violation of the law is a
public nuisance. Anyone who maintains or assists in maintaining such a
place, or permits it in a place they own, manage or lease, violates the
Liquor Control Act.
Keeping alcohol out of the hands of
minors is a priority for the OLCC. A
minor is any person under the age
of 21 and a juvenile is any person
under the age of 18.
For more information contact:
Andrew Jurik
Director of Alcohol Compliance
andrew.jurik@oregon.gov
OLCC's mission is to support
businesses, public safety, and
community livability through
education and the enforcement of
liquor and marijuana laws.
www.oregon.gov/OLCC
(over)
Oregon Liquor & Cannabis Commission
Oregon’s Alcohol Laws and Minors
(rev. 02/2019)
ORS 471.410(2) Furnishing alcohol to a minor
No person shall sell, give or make alcohol available to a minor. A parent or legal guardian may provide alcohol
to their minor child in a private residence as long as the parent is with the minor child. If you illegally provide
alcohol to a minor, or provide alcohol to an adult that you know will make it available to a minor, you will receive
a criminal citation. (Class A Misdemeanor)
ORS 471.410(3) Controlling an area where minors are permitted to consume alcohol
It is illegal for someone exercising control over private real property to allow any person under 21 to consume
alcohol on the property in your presence. It is also illegal to allow any person under age 21 to remain on the
property if they have consumed alcohol. Private real property may include a hotel room, camp site, or any
rented/leased location. The only exception is for your own minor child(ren). If you control an area where minors
consume alcohol, you will receive a criminal citation. (Criminal Violation)
ORS 471.565 Licensee, permittee and social host liability
As a licensee, permittee or social host, if you serve visibly intoxicated persons or guests, you may be held liable
for damages caused by the persons or guests away from your home or licensed premises.
ORS 471.567 Liability for serving minors; liability of a minor for misrepresentation of age
As a licensee, permittee or social host, you may be liable for injuries caused by a minor who obtained alcohol
from you when you did not properly check for identification. Minors who misrepresent their age and cause a
licensee to be fined or have their liquor license suspended or revoked can be held liable for damages sustained
by the licensee.
9079 SE McLoughlin Blvd., Portland, OR 97222
Phone: 503-872-5000
G Fax: 503-872-5266 G Toll free: 800-452-OLCC
www.oregon.gov/OLCC
