As I mentioned on yesterday’s show, the OLCC is now interpreting a law that has been on the books since prohibition to mean that it is unlawful for the public to consume home brewed beer or home made wine when not in the home of the maker. Check out the actual law, ORS 471.403:

471.403 License required to produce alcoholic liquor; exception. (1) No person shall brew, ferment, distill, blend or rectify any alcoholic liquor unless licensed so to do by the Oregon Liquor Control Commission. However, the Liquor Control Act does not apply to the making or keeping of naturally fermented wines and fruit juices or beer in the home, for home consumption and not for sale.

So, yeah, that’s up to interpretation, but considering the same kind of laws are on the books for home made food (i.e. for home consumption meaning private consumption), and we’re not dealing with bars on pie contests, it seems a bit on the silly side. The Oregon Home Brewers Alliance has been formed and are working to get this wording changed so we can go on with our lives and hobbies while being able to share them with others. Please check out the website, write the OLCC, write your legislator, and let’s get this fixed.