Apply for an Annual Liquor License

Highlights:

• All applications should be submitted through the online system.
• Getting a Local Government Recommendation takes about 45 days. 
• When you get your recommendation, submit it directly to the OLCC through their new online system: CAMP.

Step One: Gather Information and Forms

OLCC Local Government Recommendation Form

Download & complete the Local Government Recommendation from the OLCC website. You will need to upload this to the portal as a signed PDF document. (Previously known as the OLCC application.)

Questions about what kind of license you need? You must call the OLCC Licensing Help Line at 503-872-5217. 

City of Portland Required Information

1. Personal information for all persons who are anticipated to have a financial interest in the business as well as key personnel. Required information: Legal name, social security number, contact information, driver's license state and number, and Life Long Arrest Record/DMV record (if any).
2. Business operations information - contact information, contact person, anticipated hours and days of operations, and expected activities (video poker, dancing, live music, etc)
3. Zoning Map, official copy (for New Outlet and Change of Location Applications only).
   1. To get a Zoning Map, email Location Approvals (LocationApproval@portlandoregon.gov). 
   2. Please include the following information in your email: 
   3. Address of business and a short description of business (restaurant, store, wholesale, warehouse, home business, or something else.)
   4. There is no fee for the zoning verification map.
   5. You will receive a PDF of the map within two business days of your request. 

Step Two: Submit Application

If you have questions or are having trouble, please contact liquor@portlandoregon.gov before finalizing your application. 

1. Create an account and log in at Civic Portal
2. Select "Liquor", agree to the disclaimer, click the arrow beside "City of Portland Liquor Applications", and choose "Annual Liquor Application"
3. Input the address information.

4. Determine Initial Application Type: 

   • Select New Outlet for: 
     • New License Application
     • Greater Privilege of an existing license
     • Adding a Licensee of Record to an existing license
   • Select Change of Ownership for: 

     • This business has an existing liquor license and is changing ownership or adding new owners. 

   • Select Change of Location for: 
     • This business has an existing annual liquor license and is changing its location. 

No application is required for Lesser privilege or to Drop a Licensee of Record - simply send an email to liquor@portlandoreogn.gov with the change information.

5. Fill out the required fields related to your application information, personal, and business information. 

6. Upload required documents as PDFs (Local Government Recommendation and Zoning Map, if required)

7. Pay your processing fee (non-refundable once processing has begun).

8. Submit!

Step 3: Submit to the OLCC

1. Receive an email recommendation from the City of Portland about 45 days after submitting a complete application. Save the email's attached document - this is your Local Government Recommendation. 
2. Add City of Portland Recommendation Annual liquor license application packet for the OLCC.
3. Submit directly to the OLCC following the rules on the OLCC website.

If you need an accommodation because of a disability or because you do not have access to online systems, please send an email to liquor@portlandoregon.gov requesting the appropriate forms.