Bill > LD1033

This bill establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for liquor judging competition events in Maine. The legislation creates a new permit system that allows certificate of approval holders (manufacturers) to host up to 10 liquor judging events per year, with each event requiring a $20 permit. The bill defines key terms such as "homemade liquor" as malt liquor, wine, or hard cider made at home for personal use without added spirits, and establishes specific conditions for these events. Participants can include both commercial manufacturers and home producers, but the events must be non-public, with only judges and designated staff allowed to taste entries. The bill mandates that minors cannot attend, points of entry must be monitored, and visible intoxication is prohibited. Importantly, the legislation also creates a separate provision for homemade liquor, allowing it to be entered into judging competitions while explicitly prohibiting the addition of spirits, sale of homemade liquor, and treating violations as a Class E crime. The Maine Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages is granted authority to approve permits and adopt rules for implementing these regulations, providing a structured approach to managing liquor competition events.

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https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1033&snum=132