SEN. LAURIE MONNES ANDERSON Chair, Senate Health Care, Human Services, & Rural Health Policy State Senator, District 25: Gresham, Troutdale, Fairview, Wood Village

News Release

April 19, 2011

CONTACT:  Molly Woon (503) 986-1074

Monnes Anderson carries legislation to rein in problem bars

Gresham legislator introduces the bill to curb violence in communities

SALEM – Senator Laurie Monnes Anderson (D-Gresham) carried a bill on the Senate floor this morning that she introduced in response to concerns of the City of Fairview and others in Senate District 25. Senate Bill 36 will give the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) broader authority to deny an applicant a liquor license by allowing the agency to consider an applicant’s convictions for violating any law in Oregon or any other state, not just violations of liquor laws.

“This is a small but meaningful step to address the concerns I have heard about problem bars and taverns,” said Monnes Anderson. “Some establishments can cause real disruptions in their communities and have a history of attracting criminal behavior. This bill simply says that all violations of state laws can be considered when granting a liquor license, including a potential licensee’s drug and violent crime convictions.  This authority will help stop problem taverns from locating in communities.”

Monnes Anderson cited community concerns around establishments that have repeatedly attracted violence and neighborhood complains. Senate Bill 36 gives the OLCC another tool to crack down on problem bars by allowing them to consider an applicant’s prior legal history. Currently, the OLCC is only allowed to consider violations against state and local liquor laws when considering a license application, meaning that prior convictions for drugs, violent crime, or organized crime are not grounds for being denied a liquor license.  The bill also allows the OLCC to look at an applicant’s legal violations in other states.

“When a community or constituent comes to me with a concern I do everything I can to find a resolution to their problem,” said Monnes Anderson. “I’m glad to have sponsored this bill. It addresses a real problem in our community, offers a common sense solution, and has buy-in from stakeholders. Nothing gives me more satisfaction that helping my constituents find solutions to our shared concerns.” 

SB 36 now goes to the House for consideration.

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