Contents
Becoming a bartender in the state of Oregon can be a rewarding, but overwhelming process.
That’s because the state has made the process confusing and time consuming. But don’t worry as we are going to walk you through every step below.
For starters, a bartending license is required for anyone who sells or serves alcohol in Oregon according to the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC).
Overview
| License Required? | Yes |
| Years Valid | 5 |
| Deadline | Service Permit Application: Immediately upon employment Training: Within 45 days of Service Permit Application |
| Governing Body | Liquor and Cannabis Commission |
Who is required to have a bartending license in Oregon?
The state of Oregon requires individuals who mix, serve, or sell alcoholic beverages to obtain a service permit. This includes waiters, bartenders, managers, and owners.
On the other hand, anyone who does not mix, serve, or sell alcohol is not required to have a service permit. Be warned though, the second you handle alcohol in any way you are required to obtain a service permit. Not only that, but if you if you take any order for an alcoholic beverage or collect money from a customer who has been drinking, you have technically sold alcohol according to the state of Oregon and therefore will need a service permit.
It is for these reasons that we highly suggest anyone who works in a bar or restaurant to go ahead and become licensed.
How to get an Oregon Service Permit Step-by-Step
Before getting started , it is useful to have the following materials on hand:
- Clear image of your driver’s license, passport, or state-issued ID
- Social Security Number (SSN)
- A credit or debit card to pay the required $28.35 fee
Step 1: Create an account
Before you can apply for a service permit you need to create an account on the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission’s (OLCC) website here.
If you are having any trouble logging in for any reason, step-by-step instructions on how to create an account can be found here.
If you already have an account you can go ahead and just login.
Step 2: Submit an application and pay the fees
Once you have created an account and logged in you will be able to apply for a service permit. To do so, simply click the blue button that says “Apply Now.” Fill out all of the required information and click “Continue to Payment.”
You will now be taken to a cart page showing you three fees you are required to pay to continue. The total should be $28.35. Enter your card information and hit “Submit Payment.”
Note: From this moment you have 45 days to complete a class and take a test before you have to go through the process again.
Once you have paid you will see a button that states “Return to Dashboard” which you can go ahead and click. Once back at the dashboard you will notice that your application is now “Under Review” where. it will remain until an OLCC staff has approved your application. On the dashboard you will also be able to “Print a Temporary Permit” which we highly suggest doing.
Note: On this page you will also see a button that allows you to “Withdraw” your application. DO NOT CLICK THIS unless you are sure you want to withdraw your application. Once withdrawing your application you forfeit the fees that were paid.
Step 3: Take a service training course from an approved provider
The OLCC allows individuals to take service training courses from approved providers either online or in-person.
You must take a training course before you can take a service permit test on the OLCC website.
Approved in-person training providers can be found here. Online training providers may be found here. Note that prices will vary between in-person and online providers with online usually being cheaper. This is a separate fee than what was paid before during the application process.
Tip: While you are free to choose any provider you would like, we here at Bartending License Help believe that the team at Serving Alcohol does the best job and always suggest their course.
Once you take a course from an approved provider you will be given a certificate that you will upload to the OLCC website.
Step 4: Take the Service Permit test
Go back now to OLCC website here to take the service permit test. Once you have logged in, you will see a button that says “Take Test.” Once clicking, you will be brought to a page to fill out information regarding the course provider you used from step 3.
Once you enter the required information and upload your certificate you will be able to take the test. You must score a 70% or higher in order to pass the test. Don’t be worried though as you can take the test as many times as needed in order to get the required score.
Step 5: Print your service permit
If you have completed and passed your service permit test you will now be able to print your permit from the dashboard.
Congratulations, you are now officially a licensed bartender in Oregon.
Oregon Service Permit Renewal
You are required to renew your Alcohol Service Permit every five years. You may reapply to renew your license up to six months prior to expiration. In order to renew your service permit, you will have to take another service training course from an approved provider.
Minimum Age To Serve Alcoholic Beverages in Oregon
The minimum age to serve alcohol in Oregon without restriction is 21 years old.
If you are 18, 19, or 20 years old, you may handle alcohol in certain, limited circumstances as long as you have a minor service permit. With a minor service permit you are allowed to serve, pour, and draw alcohol only in areas where “food service” is the primary activity and not in areas prohibited to minors (places 21 & up). Furthermore, with a minors service permit you are not allowed to mix drinks or work as a bartender in any way.
Restrictions
The OLCC has fairly strict restrictions regarding who is able to be approved for a service permit. You will not be able to receive a service permit if you have any of the following:
- Felony convictions: Either one conviction in the past two years or two or more convictions in the last four years.
- DUI convictions: Two or more diversions or convictions in the past four years.
- Furnishing alcohol to minors convictions: Two or more diversions or convictions in the past four years.
- A combination of diversions or convictions: four or more of any of the above convictions within the past ten years and if one of the incidents was within the past two years.
Note: If you were diagnosed as alcohol or drug addicted when your crimes occurred, the OLCC may consider approving you if you fill out the following statement with proof.
