Alcohol rules eased for Oregon high school chefs

Published 1:54 pm Friday, April 22, 2011

SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon House has eased restrictions on cooking with alcohol for high school chefs.

The Oregonian reports the change in policy came on a 40-18 vote Thursday after supporters argued that Oregon schools were at a serious competitive disadvantage when facing schools from other states creating dishes with wine and other alcoholic beverages.

Democratic state Rep. Brian Clem of Salem said the issue was highlighted when South Salem High School could not use wine in a recent competition.

Clem also pitched the change as a way to boost the state’s economy. With a ban in place, Oregon has no chance to host regional or national competitions, and it lessens scholarship chances from the competitions.

The decision whether to allow alcohol will be left to each school district.