The Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) last week agreed to review and possibly rewrite the state's archaic happy hour rules. "Right now, you cannot advertise outside your establishment for any temporary reduction in alcohol price, no matter what you call it. It could be the 'OLCC social hour' and still not be allowed," says OLCC spokesperson Christie Scott. With 49 liquor law inspectors and 10,000 alcohol vendors statewide, the OLCC found it impossible to track bars' advertising, especially on Facebook and Twitter. Scott explains that new rules might likely still ban advertising specific prices, but phrases like "dirt-cheap PBR brunch" would become legal. SARAH MIRK

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The Portland Business Alliance (PBA) is the city's leading lobbyist, according to city auditor reports released Monday, October 19. The powerful local business group had 66 personal meetings and telephone calls with city hall staff during the last three months. The second biggest lobbyist, the Port of Portland, had only 26 meetings. The PBA spent much of its face time discussing homeless issues—30 of the meetings related to the Sit-Lie Ordinance, the mayor's new sidewalk management plan, and the location of homeless feeds. SM

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Portland's first entirely free store has opened up next to two food carts on SE 11th and Clay. The twist? Founder Ben Aubin hopes the Free Store will become a for-profit establishment. Anyone can take home free items from the store housed in a wildly painted school bus, but Aubin's small team of bike messengers will also deliver free items to Portlanders' doorsteps along with a page of paid ads. SM