Local restaurants turn to alcohol delivery to stem losses

The Oregon Liquor Control Commission is fast-tracking applications for businesses hoping to begin curbside and residential delivery of beer, cider and wine as more customers turn away from eating out.

It's easier than ever for oregon businesses to get licenses -- that let them deliver alcohol right to your door.

Kezi 9 news reporter chris lueneburg spoke to businesses who are taking part-- to see if it's filling the void left behind by customers choosing not to eat out.

Elkhorn brewery's phone is ringing off the hook.

"thanks for calling elkhorn, hold just a moment."

Owner steve sheehan getting creative-- just to keep the lights on.

"family specials, they've been working really well."

But nothing can stem the losses.

"i'm doing my best to keep the 7 employees that i have out of the 40 that we had on."

One new strategy-- alcohol delivery... the oregon liquor control commission is taking online applications for certifications... and giving immediate 30 day temporary licenses.

"with the proper permits, delivery workers can bring containers up to 2 gallons of beer cider or wine up to your door.

But even in the age of social distancing, they're going to need to see that id."

Sheehan says elkhorn is seeing a few hundred dollars of alcohol sales nightly-- mostly from middle-aged customers "people have really wanted to keep their distance.

When it comes to food delivery, some people have wanted to leave it outside and us leave.

As for alcohol, we haven't done that any" the olcc estimates 55 hundred oregon businesses will be turning to delivery throughout the pandemic.

"i've been talking to licensees who have been calling me and all of them are very excited about this and interested in doing it.

I wouldn't be surprised if we've had a great uptick."

But sheehan says even with the new revenue-- they have just weeks before the business is on life support.

"we need help asap" alcohol delivery just a dent... in the growing losses i'm chris lueneburg kezi 9 news