Drugs & Alcohol

To ensure a safe and stress-free trip, make sure you are in compliance with local drug and alcohol laws while traveling in Oregon. The following is a brief guide.

Smoking

There is a federal ban on smoking cigarettes, e-cigarettes and cigars on all domestic flights and in all federal buildings. Oregon has a smoking ban in public places such as workplaces, movie theaters, shopping centers, restaurants and bars. “No smoking” signs should clearly mark areas where smoking is prohibited. Oregon also has the Indoor Clean Air Act (ICCA) that mandates no smoking zones within 10 feet of all entrances, exits, accessibility ramps that lead to and from an entrance or exit, windows and air-intake vents.

Alcohol

The minimum drinking age in the U.S. is 21 years old. Those under 21 are prohibited from purchasing, consuming or possessing alcoholic beverages. In restaurants and bars, it is common in the USA to be “carded,” in which you will be asked to show government-issued identification for proof of age. You will need the actual document (a photocopy of your identification is not sufficient) and you will not be served alcohol without it. Both underage drinkers and the ones who provided the alcohol can be criminally charged.

Laws regarding the purchase and sale of alcohol and public drinking – on beaches, streets, parks and sidewalks — vary throughout the U.S. The days and times that alcohol sales are permitted, as well as the types of stores that sell alcohol, also vary from place to place. Check the areas you plan to visit regarding local regulations.

Statutes governing driving under the influence of intoxicants (DUII) are strictly enforced in Oregon. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a crime.

Drugs

Possession of controlled dangerous substances or drugs is illegal in the USA. The use and possession of marijuana remains illegal under federal law, despite state-level legalization.