Oregon’s alcohol laws are known for being relatively liberal but there are clear statewide cutoffs for when you can buy or be served alcohol. Regulated by the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC), the hours depend on whether you’re buying from a store or drinking at a bar/restaurant. Here’s a breakdown of when alcohol sales must stop in Oregon and why those rules matter.
On-Premises Alcohol Sales (Bars & Restaurants)
If you’re in a bar, restaurant, or any licensed venue that sells alcohol for consumption on-site, the latest legal time to sell and serve alcohol is:
- 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. every day.
- According to OLCC rules, sales, service, and on-site consumption must end by 2:30 a.m.
- Local governments can impose stricter limits, but cannot extend sales beyond 2:30 a.m. statewide.
This means that “last call” in a typical Oregon bar will come well before 2:30 a.m.
Off-Premises Sales (Beer & Wine in Retail Stores)
For stores like grocery shops, convenience stores, and bottle shops that sell sealed beverages for take-home consumption, the rules are:
- Allowed to sell between 7:00 a.m. and 2:30 a.m. per OLCC regulations.
- These are the statewide maximum hours. Individual stores may choose to close earlier.
So you can pick up beer or wine in many retail outlets up to 2:30 a.m.
Liquor Store (State-Controlled) Hours
Hard liquor (spirits) in Oregon is controlled more strictly:
- Only state-licensed liquor stores (operated under OLCC) can sell distilled spirits.
- These stores must close by 10:00 p.m. — that’s the legal maximum
- On weekdays, liquor stores are required to remain open at least 8 hours between 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
- On Sundays and state-recognized holidays, stores may open, but they cannot open before 7:00 a.m. or remain open past 10:00 p.m.
So, for spirits, expect that stores will stop selling well before the on-premise or beer/wine-store cutoff.
Why These Rules Exist
Oregon’s regulation of alcohol sale hours is designed to balance accessibility with public safety:
- Public Health and Safety: By limiting late-night sales (especially of hard liquor), the laws help reduce potential overconsumption and related risks.
- State Control of Spirits: Since Oregon uses a “control” system for liquor (spirits), the OLCC directly regulates the stores that sell them, including how late they can operate.
- Flexibility + Local Control: While the state sets the maximum allowed hours, local governments have the power to impose tighter restrictions. This ensures that communities can adapt sales laws based on local priorities.
Bottom Line
- Bars and restaurants in Oregon must stop selling alcohol at 2:30 a.m..
- Grocery/convenience stores selling beer and wine can also operate until 2:30 a.m..
- Liquor stores (spirits) must close by 10:00 p.m., based on OLCC rules.
If you’re planning a late-night purchase or night out, keeping these times in mind ensures you don’t get caught off-guard.
