Oregon Officials to Deploy Decoys to Catch Underage Weed, Alcohol Sales

Oregon Officials to Deploy Decoys to Catch Underage Weed, Alcohol Sales

The Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) will resume operations, sending underage decoys to cannabis and alcohol retailers, according to Sept. 15. press release.

In some cities in Oregon, two-thirds of retailers failed ID checks, resulting in a “bad” result. promises heavier operations This time.

OLCC minor decoy operation (MDO), officials send under-21 decoys to both alcohol and cannabis retailers to try and buy products from them. We looked for young people between the ages of 18 and 20 who appeared to be 26 or older.

The COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing chaos made recruiting volunteers increasingly difficult, so the Minor Decoy operation was temporarily closed. The OLCC relaunched the program last May, recruiting people from the age of 18 to he 20.

The OLCC carried out several operations across Oregon, which it said revealed that a surprising number of retailers across the state were not properly checking the IDs of minors. increase.

“The state has not seen this type of dismal result in an alcohol sales compliance check since the program began in the 1990s,” said OLCC Executive Director Steve Marks. “Proper training of servers and clerks should be an immediate priority for all licensees engaged in the sale of alcohol.”

Eugene’s retailers performed particularly poorly. At his two MDOs in the Eugene area, about two-thirds of retailers failed to properly identify themselves and sold alcohol to his OLCC minor decoys posing as customers. Eugene MDO’s total compliance rate was only 35%.

Since the program resumed, OLCC has launched five regional operations across the state and checked 64 locations selling alcohol. Two MDOs in Portland had 70% and 85% compliance, and one MDO in the Salem area had 88% compliance, the best result ever.

This brings the statewide compliance rate to 63% since MDO activity resumed. The OLCC’s goal is for 90% or more of its licensees to comply. His individual MDO report with details can be found on the OLCC website.

OLCC officials often colluded with the police. “OLCC and local law enforcement often work together to monitor minor decoys trying to buy alcohol,” he said. said.

When a weed retailer failed to verify a minor’s ID in 2018, the OLCC stepped up operations “to remind the industry of the importance of this public safety issue and to improve results immediately.” did.

OLCC’s compliance department inspectors are able to offer free identification classes to alcohol and marijuana retailers. You can find information on how to schedule an in-person class by contacting your OLCC Regional Office. on the OLCC websiteLicensees can find an ID check tip sheet on the OLCC website.

OLCC Executive Director Marks is more than a little concerned about the lack of regulatory compliance.

“The current statewide compliance rate is terrible,” Marks said. “These results are completely unacceptable and please be assured that he understands the OLCC’s grave responsibility to Oregonians to ensure that the sale of alcohol is conducted properly. We will take action.”

Terrible compliance rates from Oregon retailers were also an issue in 2018. It was the last time the OLCC stepped up things.

Steve
administrator
With two decades of dedicated experience, Nuggs is a seasoned cannabis writer and grower. His journey has been a harmonious blend of nurturing cannabis from seed to harvest and crafting insightful content. A true expert, they've honed strain-specific knowledge, cultivation techniques, and industry insights. His passion shines through enlightening articles and thriving gardens, making them a respected figure in both the growing and writing facets of the cannabis world.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *