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Council approves option to trade up on premise beer and wine licenses

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  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, October 9th 2025 at 6:08 GMT by Eagle-Tribune
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City Council Paves the Way for Easier License Upgrades for On‑Premise Beer and Wine Sales

In a move that many local bar and restaurant owners say will save them time and money, the city council approved an “option to trade‑up” for on‑premise beer and wine licenses during its Wednesday meeting. The decision, which was passed by a unanimous vote, comes after a six‑month consultation period that included public hearings, private‑sector feedback, and a review of the city’s current alcohol‑licensing inventory.

What the Trade‑Up Option Actually Means

Under the current system, a business that wishes to increase its on‑premise alcohol capacity must apply for a new license and pay the full application fee—often several hundred dollars. In addition, the licensing process can take several weeks, during which the business must keep its current license active to maintain legal status. The new trade‑up option will allow existing license holders to “upgrade” their license tier (for example, from a Class B to a Class C license) by filing a simple change‑of‑status form and paying a reduced fee. The city’s Department of Business Licensing will process the request in 3–5 business days, meaning establishments can begin serving larger quantities of beer or wine on‑premise almost immediately.

Aims and Benefits

Councilmember Maya Patel, who introduced the proposal, said the primary goal was to make it easier for “small businesses and new entrants” to keep up with market demand. “We recognize that our hospitality sector is a vital part of the local economy,” she told the crowd. “By simplifying the upgrade process, we’re not only reducing bureaucratic red tape but also encouraging responsible growth and innovation in our food and beverage scene.”

The trade‑up option is also part of a broader strategy to modernize the city’s alcohol regulations. City Attorney Lisa Moreno noted that the ordinance aligns with state‑wide guidelines that encourage “flexible, tiered licensing” to better reflect the needs of different business models, from brew‑pubs to full‑service restaurants. The ordinance also updates the city’s compliance requirements, ensuring that all licensed establishments meet current health‑and‑safety standards.

Community Feedback

The proposal was not without its critics. A local bartender, Jason Lin of “The Tap House,” voiced concern that the lowered fee might encourage businesses to serve larger volumes without sufficient staff training. “We’re not just trading up for more beer,” Lin said. “We need to maintain safety standards, especially when alcohol consumption goes up.” The council acknowledged this feedback, pointing out that the new policy will be accompanied by an updated training requirement for all on‑premise alcohol service staff.

Another attendee, Maria Gutierrez, owner of “Vino & Veg,” praised the city’s willingness to listen. “I’ve watched a lot of my peers struggle with the cost and time it takes to get a higher license,” she said. “Having a quicker, cheaper path will help us stay competitive.”

Implementation Timeline

The ordinance will take effect 30 days after the council’s vote, giving businesses ample time to apply. According to the city’s website—linking to the full text of the ordinance and the application forms—establishments must submit their trade‑up request by the last business day of the month in which they plan to change their license. The Department of Business Licensing has set up a dedicated online portal to handle the applications, and a phone line will be open for questions through the end of the month.

The city also announced a series of informational workshops to help license holders understand the new process. The first session will be held on the next town hall meeting and is open to all members of the hospitality community.

Looking Ahead

While the trade‑up option represents a significant shift in how the city regulates on‑premise alcohol sales, officials emphasize that it is just one piece of a larger puzzle. City Manager Tom Reynolds highlighted the city’s plan to conduct a quarterly audit of all alcohol licenses to ensure compliance and public safety. “Our goal is not just to make it easier to do business,” Reynolds said, “but to do it responsibly and transparently.”

The city’s approach may also serve as a model for neighboring municipalities. As the state of Oregon’s Alcoholic Beverage Commission continues to explore tiered licensing models, the city’s experience could inform future statewide policy.

For those interested in the full details of the ordinance, the city’s official website hosts a PDF of the updated licensing policy, along with a FAQ section that addresses common questions from business owners. Local news outlets and community forums are also expected to keep the conversation going, as more establishments begin to explore the new trade‑up option and gauge its impact on their operations.

In the end, the council’s unanimous vote on the trade‑up option reflects a growing consensus that flexibility and efficiency in licensing can coexist with rigorous safety standards. Whether the new system will ultimately lead to a more vibrant and competitive hospitality sector remains to be seen, but the city has taken a decisive step toward supporting its businesses while maintaining public trust.