‘Family friendly’ Oregon Brewers Festival forced to kick out kids
Something may be different for the 20th annual Oregon Brewers Festival in Portland: No children.
The organizers have announced that they “will not be allowed to have minors under the age of 21 on the festival premises in 2007. The Oregon Liquor Control Commission has stipulated no minors be on-site, citing OLCC Rule 845-006-0340 (7) (a) in which ‘eating predominates’ and the premise must not have a ‘drinking environment.'”
The OBF is considered one of the finest craft beer festivals in the nation. Each summer, Portland welcomes more than 50,000 beer lovers to the four-day event. Many who attend enjoy the event because it is “kid friendly.” In fact, BusinessWeek described it this way: “The family friendly OBF features live entertainment and free craft-brewed root beer and other specialty sodas for minors and designated drivers.”
This year’s festival is set for July 26-29.
Organizers suggest that those who disagree with the OLCC’s decision contact executive director Stephen Pharo and let him know: 503-872-5000,1800-452-6522,or [email]steve.pharo@state.or.us[/email]
The story in the Oregonian:
http://www.oregonlive.com/oregonian/stories/index.ssf?/base/news/1169877336161570.xml&coll=7&thispage=1
So if the OLLC knows what is best for our kids (not to see drinking in public) — can we drop them off for state-sponsored babysitting since we can’t take them safely and legally with us?
I guess, if it’s a State Sponsored “food and drink” activity, it’s okay? Or are Oregon’s minors banned from the state Fair also?
http://www.oregonstatefair.org/fair/food/food_wine.htm
State sponsored Hypocrisy abounds! Follow the money!
The State is the new Mob – dial them in on the payoff, you do whatever you want.
We fight war’s to free others while our own institutions retreat tot he dark ages. Incredible…..
I spoke today with Chris Crabb, one of the Festival organizers, and she mentioned that Art Laurance will be meeting with one of the OLCC higher ups soon to discuss changing the ruling to once again allow minors (hopefully without those condescending “I am a minor. . .” stickers they had last year).
Apparently, the OLCC has been receiving a “very large volume” of responses, and they may be listening. Let’s keep up the pressure.
Cheers,
Wink