The state of Oregon, in an effort to close their current budget shortfall, is considering doubling the current surcharge on distilled spirits from 50 cents per bottle to 1 dollar per bottle for two years beginning July 1st 2017. The Oregon Liquor Control Commission has renewed the surcharge 3 times since its inception in 2009.
The proposed budged would also increase all alcohol licensing fees, the only exception being fees for servers permits. The higher surcharge would raise an estimated $34 million in additional funds and the higher licensing fees would bring an estimated $5.3 million.
Source: The Bulletin, December 2016