Ore. Liquor commission extends 50-cent surcharge

SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- The Oregon Liquor Control Commission has voted to extend a 50-cent per bottle surcharge on distilled spirits that was set to expire at the end of the month.

The five-person panel voted unanimously for the two-year extension on Thursday but delayed a decision on a proposal to increase the surcharge to 75 cents.

The 50-cent surcharge was put in place four years ago to raise money for the state. It's expected to generate $32 million over the next two years. An increase to 75 cents would raise an additional $16 million.

Although the OLCC has the authority to levy surcharges on liquor sales, the state Legislature controls how the money will be spent.