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Bill > LD1456
ME LD1456
ME LD1456An Act to Expand the Number of On-premises Retail Liquor Licenses a Liquor Manufacturer May Be Issued
summary
Introduced
04/08/2025
04/08/2025
In Committee
04/08/2025
04/08/2025
Crossed Over
05/14/2025
05/14/2025
Passed
05/22/2025
05/22/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
05/23/2025
05/23/2025
Introduced Session
132nd Legislature
Bill Summary
An Act to Expand the Number of On-premises Retail Liquor Licenses a Liquor Manufacturer May Be Issued Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and Whereas, this legislation is a way to support Maine's hospitality sector and businesses that cater to tourists, and the tourism season is crucial for the State's economy and public well-being; and Whereas, the tourism season, which brings millions of visitors and significant revenue to the State, relies on a regulated and enjoyable environment, including accessible and responsible alcohol sales; and Whereas, this legislation needs to take effect before the tourism season begins; and Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,
AI Summary
This bill expands the number of on-premises retail liquor licenses that liquor manufacturers in Maine can obtain. Specifically, the legislation allows a person or group with a majority ownership in one manufacturing licensee to hold up to 3 retail licenses, and those with majority ownership in at least two manufacturing facilities that collectively produce at least 1,000 barrels of liquor per year can hold up to 6 retail licenses. The bill introduces new terms like "tenant breweries" and "tenant wineries" into existing liquor licensing regulations and modifies rules about where and how these manufacturers can sell and serve their products. The changes are designed to support Maine's hospitality sector and tourism industry by providing more flexibility for liquor manufacturers in selling and serving their products both on and off their manufacturing premises. The bill includes an emergency clause, meaning it will take effect immediately upon approval, which is intended to help businesses prepare for the upcoming tourism season. The legislation also updates related tax provisions to ensure proper sales tax collection on liquor sold by these expanded retail operations.
Committee Categories
Military Affairs and Security
Sponsors (5)
Last Action
Governor's Action: Emergency Signed, May 23, 2025 (on 05/23/2025)
bill text
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1456&snum=132 |
| BillText | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=SP0597&item=3&snum=132 |
| Fiscal Note: | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/bills_132nd/fiscalpdfs/FN145603.pdf |
| Senate: C-A (S-77) | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=SP0597&item=2&snum=132 |
| Fiscal Note: C-A (S-77) | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/bills_132nd/fiscalpdfs/FN145602.pdf |
| BillText | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=SP0597&item=1&snum=132 |
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