Closures and restrictions due to COVID-19 had a devastating impact on Oregon’s breweries, taprooms, restaurants stadiums and venues
PORTLAND, Ore. — A new economic report states 3,000 Oregon jobs related to beer were lost in 2020, largely due to state-mandated restrictions and closures on restaurants, bars, brewpubs taprooms and stadiums during the ongoing COVID-19 recession.
Beer is an essential part of Oregon’s economy and identity. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Oregon was home to nearly 400 breweries creating more than 43,000 jobs and $6.6 billion in economic activity. Sadly, the new report from the Beer Institute and National Beer Wholesalers Association shows Oregon beer now helps creates just 40,000 direct and indirect jobs because of the pandemic. According to Oregon Office of Economic Analysis the hospitality sector was hardest hit in Oregon, with 50,000 jobs lost.
The job loss numbers would have been higher if the state legislature had passed House Bill 3296, which would have increased taxes on brewers by 2,700%.
“Closures due to COVID-19 have had a devastating impact on Oregon’s breweries, wineries, cideries, distilleries, restaurants, bars and hospitality sector. The last thing these local businesses need are tax increases, which only make it harder to invest in rehiring, equipment upgrades and expansion,” said the Oregon Beverage Alliance.
Overall, 74% of Oregonians oppose increasing taxes on beer, wine, cider and spirits. Alcohol is already the third largest source of revenue for the state, only behind income and lottery. Yet only 3.5% of existing beer, wine, cider and spirits revenue are dedicated to addiction prevention and treatment.
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About the Oregon Beverage Alliance
The Oregon Beverage Alliance is made up of local brewers, winemakers, cidermakers, distillers and their supply and hospitality partners creating hundreds of thousands of jobs. Learn more: www.DontTaxMyDrink.org
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