Nine out of 10 businesses visited in Tigard on September 19, successfully passed an OLCC check for alcohol sales to minors. The Tigard Police Department assisted the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) with the recent compliance check. This grant-funded effort consists of a team of two Tigard Police officers and an OLCC inspector accompanying a nineteen year-old volunteer. The group visited the pre-selected establishments in Tigard, which either sell or serve alcohol. Oregon Revised Statutes set strict guidelines for the OLCC regarding minor decoy operations at businesses selling alcohol. Throughout the year, checks are conducted unannounced at randomly selected businesses to ascertain compliance regarding the sale of alcohol to minors. Compliance checks may also be initiated based upon complaints lodged with the OLCC or local law enforcement.

This recent alcohol sales check in Tigard demonstrates 90 percent compliance, which greatly exceeds the statewide average of 78 per cent (2018).  Historically, compliance rates in Tigard peaked as high as 100 percent (2016) and drew dismal compliance figures as low as 30 percent (2009).

One way police are working to combat the problem of underage drinking is to partner with coalitions that help educate and support our community’s youth in efforts to promote healthy and substance-free lifestyles. Tigard Turns the Tide is one example. You can learn more about this community coalition at www.tigardturnsthetide.org  In addition, Tigard Police plan on continued enforcement and additional compliance checks to reaffirm the importance to affected businesses that the sale of alcohol to minors will not be tolerated.