ORLA Update

New Alcohol Warehouse | Tariffs | Restaurant Survey | Delegates in DC
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OLCC Warehouse Breaks Ground: On April 16, the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) officially broke ground on its new 347,000-square-foot distilled spirits distribution center in Canby. ORLA's President & CEO, Jason Brandt, spoke at the OLCC's groundbreaking ceremony, applauding the agency's commitment to better serve the industry with more efficiency.

Impacts of Tariffs: Last week, AHLA sponsored a members-only webinar on "Tariffs: What Hoteliers Need to Know." Leaders from AHLA Platinum Partner Avendra International, Allied Member Bernhardt Hospitality, and Benjamin West spoke with AHLA's Matt Carrier about the potential effects of tariffs on the hotel industry and how hoteliers can prepare. AHLA members can watch the conversation here. For additional background information on this issue, please contact Matt Carrier.

Operational Insights: The NRA's 2025 Restaurant Operations Survey is open through May 31 and Oregon restaurant operators are encouraged to participate. We will use this data (including average restaurant profit margins in Oregon compared to national averages) as foundational data points to help prove the need for a healthier climate for restaurants. All participants will receive a free copy of the Restaurant Operations Data Abstract (valued at $200), which contains important financial data to help restaurant operators measure their performance.

Travel Oregon's 2025-2027 Strategic Plan: A draft plan and budget was posted last week with opportunity for public comment through May 16. The Oregon Tourism Commission will consider and adopt the final 2025-2027 strategic plan and budget on June 10. The public comment period is open through May 16 to anyone who wants to provide feedback.

Oregon Restaurateurs in D.C.: ORLA's government affairs team, along with half a dozen Oregon operators, recently returned from the National Restaurant Association's Public Affairs Conference in Washington, D.C., where more than 600 operators from around the country were in attendance. Oregon delegates were able to meet with every Oregon congressional office, including Senator Jeff Merkley and Congresswoman Maxine Dexter. If you’re interested in getting more involved in advocacy at the state or federal level, check out these opportunities.

Webinar on Tipping and Teen Employment: Staying compliant with labor laws is critical — not just to avoid costly penalties, but to build a fair, efficient, and legally sound workplace - and the FLSA has strict guidelines that every operator must understand. ORLA is hosting a webinar on May 6 where a representative from the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage & Hour Division will walk hospitality employers through key provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), with a focus on two high-risk areas: tip regulations and youth employment. Register here.

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