28-A M.R.S. § 1451 — ME Code / Title 28-A / Part 3 / Chapter 57 / Section 1451
28-A §1451. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context indicates otherwise, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 1987, c. 45, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).]

1. Agreement. "Agreement" means a commercial relationship, not required to be evidenced in writing, of definite or indefinite duration, between a certificate of approval holder and a wholesale licensee, under which the wholesale licensee is authorized to distribute one or more of the certificate of approval holder's brands of malt liquor, wine or beverages. The performance or accomplishment of any of the following acts shall constitute prima facie evidence of an "agreement" within the meaning of this definition: A. The shipment, preparation for shipment or acceptance of any order by any certificate of approval holder or its agents for any malt liquor, wine or beverages to a wholesale licensee within the State; and [PL 1987, c. 45, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).] B. The payment by a wholesale licensee and the acceptance of payment by any certificate of approval holder or its agent or the shipment of an order for malt liquor or beverages intended for sale in Maine. [PL 1987, c. 45, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).] [PL 1987, c. 45, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).]

1-A. Certificate of approval holder. Notwithstanding section 2, subsection 8 , "certificate of approval holder" means an in-state manufacturer of malt liquor or wine licensed under section 1355‑A or an out-of-state manufacturer of or out-of-state wholesaler of malt liquor or wine that has been issued a certificate of approval under section 1361 . [PL 2019, c. 615, §6 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 615, §7 (AFF).]

2. Person. Notwithstanding section 2, subsection 23 , "person" means a natural person, corporation, partnership, trust, agency or other entity as well as the individual officer, directors or persons in active control of the activities of that entity. "Person" also includes heirs, assigns, personal representatives and guardians. [PL 1987, c. 45, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).]

3. Primary source of supply. "Primary source of supply" means the distillery, the bottler, the brewery, the winery, the brand owner or the designated agent of any distillery, brewery, winery or brand owner. [PL 2021, c. 658, §253 (AMD).]

4. Territory or sale territory. "Territory" or "sale territory" means the area of primary sales responsibility expressly or implicitly designated by any agreement between a wholesale licensee and a certificate of approval holder for the brand or label of a certificate of approval holder. [PL 1987, c. 45, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).]

5. Wholesale licensee. Notwithstanding section 2, subsection 34 , "wholesale licensee" means a person holding a wholesale license under section 1401 , offering malt liquor or wine for sale or resale to retailers, without regard to whether the business of the person is conducted under the terms of an agreement with a certificate of approval holder. [PL 2021, c. 658, §254 (AMD).]
28-A M.R.S. § 1011 — ME Code / Title 28-A / Part 3 / Chapter 41 / Section 1011
28-A §1011. Class X licenses
Status: in_force

1. Types of liquor which may be sold. A Class X licensee may sell spirits, wine and malt liquor to be consumed on the premises where sold. [PL 1987, c. 45, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).]

1-A. Exception. Notwithstanding subsection 1 , when considering an application for a new Class X license or the renewal of a Class X license under section 653 , a municipality may grant the application subject to a condition that limits the types of liquor that may be sold for consumption on the premises. [PL 2019, c. 167, §1 (NEW).]

2. Fees. The fees for a Class X license are as follows: A. Full-time (one year).............. $2,200. [PL 1993, c. 410, Pt. ZZ, §16 (AMD).] [PL 1993, c. 410, Pt. ZZ, §16 (AMD).]

3. Eligible premises. The following premises are eligible for a Class X license: A. Class A lounges. [PL 1987, c. 45, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).] [PL 1987, c. 45, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).]
28-A M.R.S. § 1071 — ME Code / Title 28-A / Part 3 / Chapter 43 / Section 1071
28-A §1071. Incorporated civic organizations
Status: in_force

1. Issuance of licenses. The bureau may issue licenses under this section for the sale of spirits, wine and malt liquor to be consumed on the premises to incorporated civic organizations, as defined in section 2, subsection 15, paragraph I . [PL 1997, c. 373, §96 (AMD).]

2. Up to 5 licensed events per year; one event per license. An incorporated civic organization may obtain up to 5 licenses under this section per calendar year. Each license authorizes the licensee to sell or serve liquor at only one public event or public gathering which is sponsored by the licensee. [PL 1987, c. 151, §2 (RPR).]

3. Length of licenses. One license issued under this section to each incorporated civic organization is valid for up to 10 consecutive days. The other 4 licenses for which the incorporated civic organization is eligible are valid for one day each. The bureau may not issue separate licenses under this section to the same incorporated civic organization for events or gatherings held on consecutive days. [PL 2019, c. 8, §1 (AMD).]

4. Application. An incorporated civic organization shall file an application for a license. The application includes the following: A. Title and purpose of the event; [PL 1987, c. 45, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).] B. Date, time and duration; [PL 1987, c. 45, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).] C. Location; [PL 1987, c. 45, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).] D. Approximate number of persons to be accommodated; [PL 1987, c. 45, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).] E. Name and address of the sponsoring civic organization and the name and title of the officer making the application; [PL 1987, c. 45, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).] F. If food is to be served, the name and address of food caterer, if other than the licensee; and [PL 1987, c. 45, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).] G. Approval by the municipal officers of the municipality in which the proposed licensed premises are located, which, notwithstanding section 653 , may be granted without notice or a public hearing. [PL 1987, c. 45, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).] [PL 1987, c. 45, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).]

5. Ruling on application. The bureau shall approve or deny the application and immediately notify the applicant of its decision. The bureau shall advise the applicant that the license may be revoked and suspended under chapter 33 . [PL 1997, c. 373, §98 (AMD).]

6. Server requirements. A certificate of approval holder or a wholesale licensee that provides malt liquor, wine or spirits for the public event or gathering being sponsored may serve its product at the event. An incorporated civic organization issued a license in accordance with this section shall provide the names of persons not licensed under chapter 51 , 55 or 59 who will be serving malt liquor, wine or spirits at the event. In the event that a server from that list is unavailable, a licensed manufacturer, distributor, wholesaler, small winery or small brewery that has provided malt liquor, wine or spirits to be served at the event may provide serving assistance. [PL 2021, c. 658, §187 (AMD).]
28-A M.R.S. § 1051 — ME Code / Title 28-A / Part 3 / Chapter 43 / Section 1051
28-A §1051. Licenses generally
Status: in_force

1. Licenses for sale of liquor to be consumed on the premises where sold. Subject to subsection 2 , the bureau may issue licenses for the sale of spirits, wine and malt liquor to be consumed on the premises where sold to qualified applicants upon payment of fees provided. [PL 2005, c. 539, §7 (AMD).]

2. Local approval of application for license. The initial application for the license must first be approved under section 653 by the municipal officers of the municipality in which the applicant's premises are located or, if the premises are located in an unincorporated place, the application must be approved by the county commissioners of the county within which the unincorporated place is located. [PL 2003, c. 493, §9 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 493, §14 (AFF).]

2-A. Temporary license upon transfer of ownership. An applicant applying for a new license, in accordance with subsection 2 , resulting from the transfer of ownership of an existing on-premises license may simultaneously apply to the bureau for a temporary on-premises license. The bureau may issue a temporary license upon application unless the municipal officers or county commissioners notify the bureau of their objection to the issuance of the license. A temporary license issued in accordance with this subsection is valid from the date it is issued until a decision is made on the application for an annual on-premises license or for 60 days, whichever is shorter. The fee for a temporary license issued under this subsection is $100. [PL 2003, c. 213, §2 (NEW).]

3. Liquor not to be consumed elsewhere. Except as provided in paragraphs A and B and in sections 1012 , 1080 and 1208 , a licensee for the sale of liquor to be consumed on the premises where sold may not personally or by an agent or employee, sell, give, furnish or deliver any liquor to be consumed elsewhere than upon the licensed premises or noncontiguous real estate that meets the conditions specified in subsection 9 . The service and consumption of liquor must be limited to areas that are clearly defined and approved in the application process by the bureau as appropriate for the consumption of liquor. Outside areas must be controlled by barriers and by signs prohibiting consumption beyond the barriers. A. Subject to law and the rules of the bureau, hotel or bed and breakfast licensees may sell liquor in the original packages or by the drink to hotel guests or bed and breakfast guests, respectively. A sale to a hotel guest or bed and breakfast guest may be delivered to the guest's room only by a hotel or bed and breakfast employee, respectively. [PL 2021, c. 658, §161 (AMD).] B. A licensee may serve liquor at locations other than the licensed premises under the off-premises catering license issued under section 1052 . [PL 2021, c. 658, §162 (AMD).] [PL 2021, c. 658, §§161, 162 (AMD).]

4. Removal of partially consumed bottles of wine from premises. Notwithstanding subsection 3 , an establishment licensed by the State to sell wine on the premises may permit a person who has purchased a full meal, and purchased and partially consumed a bottle of wine with the full meal, to remove the partially consumed bottle from the premises upon departure, as long as the person is not visibly intoxicated as provided in section 2503, subsection 7 and the bottle of wine is removed and transported in a manner consistent with subsection 5 . [PL 2021, c. 658, §163 (AMD).]

5. Transportation of partially consumed bottles of wine. A partially consumed bottle of wine that is removed from the premises under subsection 4 must be transported in compliance with Title 29‑A, section 2112‑A , if transported by motor vehicle, or securely sealed and bagged if transported on foot or by means other than a motor vehicle. [PL 2021, c. 658, §164 (AMD).]

6. Spirits taste-testing events for retail licensees on on-premises retail licensee's premises. A distillery, a licensed spirits sales representative and the wholesale spirits provider, with the written permission of the bureau, may rent or lease an area or room from an on-premises retail licensee for the purpose of inviting retail licensees to taste test spirits. Spirits taste-testing events must be conducted during hours that are authorized by the bureau for the sale of the product on the premises. The following conditions apply to each taste-testing event conducted under this subsection. A. The distillery, the licensed spirits sales representative or the wholesale spirits provider may provide the products for the taste-testing event only if the retail price has been paid and a record of the transaction is maintained and made available to the bureau. [PL 2021, c. 658, §165 (AMD).] B. The taste-testing event may be conducted only within a special designated area or room. [PL 2021, c. 658, §165 (AMD).] C. The taste-testing event may be open only to invited retail licensees or their authorized agents and not to family members, guests or the public. [PL 2021, c. 658, §165 (AMD).] D. After the taste-testing event is concluded, the distillery, the licensed spirits sales representative or the wholesale spirits provider, as applicable, shall remove all products supplied for the taste-testing event from the retail licensee's premises. [PL 2021, c. 658, §165 (AMD).] E. Spirits may not be served to a person who is a minor or who is visibly intoxicated. [PL 2021, c. 658, §165 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 658, §165 (AMD).]

7. Toilet facilities. An eating establishment licensed in accordance with this chapter is required to have toilet facilities as prescribed by rule, except that an eating establishment that has a seating capacity of 40 or fewer persons is required to have at least one toilet facility but may not be required to have more than one toilet facility. [PL 2011, c. 242, §2 (NEW).]

8. Liquor taste-testing events for public on on-premises retail licensee's premises. The bureau may authorize an on-premises retail licensee to conduct liquor taste-testing events open to the public on the licensed premises. Taste-testing events under this subsection may be held in collaboration with a certificate of approval holder, sales representative licensed under section 1502 or wholesale licensee. An on-premises retail licensee may request authority to conduct a taste-testing event using forms prescribed by the bureau. The following conditions apply to all taste-testing events conducted under this subsection. A. Liquor may not be served to persons who have not yet attained 21 years of age. [PL 2013, c. 258, §1 (NEW).] B. A person may not be served more than a total of 12 ounces of malt liquor having an alcohol content of 6% or less; for malt liquor having an alcohol content greater than 6% but less than 12%, a person may not be served more than a total of 6 ounces; or, for malt liquor having an alcohol content of 12% or greater, a person may not be served more than a total of 3 ounces. [PL 2013, c. 258, §1 (NEW).] C. A person may not be served more than a total of 5 ounces of wine having an alcohol content of 14% or less; or, for wine having an alcohol content greater than 14%, a person may not be served more than a total of 3 ounces of wine. [PL 2013, c. 258, §1 (NEW).] D. A person may not be served more than a total of 1 1/2 ounces, in 1/2 ounce servings, of spirits having an alcohol content of 80 proof or less; or, for spirits containing an alcohol content of greater than 80 proof, a person may not be served more than a total of 3/4 of an ounce in 1/4 ounce servings. [PL 2019, c. 404, §19 (AMD).] E. A person may not be charged a fee for any liquor served as part of a taste-testing event. [PL 2013, c. 258, §1 (NEW).] F. A person may not be served who is visibly intoxicated. [PL 2013, c. 258, §1 (NEW).] G. A taste-testing event must be conducted within the hours of retail sale established in this Title. [PL 2013, c. 258, §1 (NEW).] H. The retail licensee must obtain the written permission of the bureau before conducting a taste-testing event. [PL 2013, c. 258, §1 (NEW).] I. The retail licensee may conduct no more than one taste-testing event per month. [PL 2013, c. 258, §1 (NEW).] J. A taste-testing event is not allowed in any municipality where on-premises and off-premises sales are not allowed pursuant to chapter 5 . [PL 2013, c. 258, §1 (NEW).] K. The retail licensee must notify the bureau of the date and time scheduled for a taste-testing event. [PL 2021, c. 658, §166 (AMD).] L. Liquor served at a taste-testing event may be provided by the retail licensee purchasing the liquor from a wholesale licensee or a reselling agent. A record of a transaction under this paragraph must be maintained and made available to the bureau. [PL 2021, c. 658, §166 (AMD).] M. The retail licensee shall establish a designated area in which to conduct a taste-testing event in accordance with this section and shall make reasonable attempts to ensure that tastings are confined to the designated area. [PL 2013, c. 258, §1 (NEW).] N. The retail licensee, with prior approval from the bureau, may conduct an invitation-only taste-testing event at the licensed premises in place of or to coincide with a taste-testing event that is open to the public. [PL 2013, c. 258, §1 (NEW).] O. After a taste-testing event is concluded, the retail licensee may return any unused portion of liquor used to conduct the taste-testing event to the licensee's existing stock. [PL 2013, c. 258, §1 (NEW).] P. A certificate of approval holder, licensed sales representative or wholesale licensee that participates in a taste-testing event may provide and distribute food or snacks to be consumed in conjunction with the liquor to be tasted at no cost to the public or the retail licensee if the total cost for the food or snacks does not exceed $200 per event. Any remaining food or snacks provided in conjunction with a taste-testing event must be removed by the certificate of approval holder, licensed sales representative or wholesale licensee from the licensed premises at the conclusion of the event. [PL 2021, c. 658, §166 (AMD).] Q. A certificate of approval holder, licensed sales representative or wholesale licensee that participates in a taste-testing event may provide material to advertise the liquor being offered at the taste-testing event or for the promotion of responsible use of alcohol. A certificate of approval holder, licensed sales representative or wholesale licensee may use the advertising material only for promotional display on the licensed premises. Advertising material related to the taste-testing event may include signs, coasters, napkins, table tents and items of like value and must be removed by the certificate of approval holder, licensed sales representative or wholesale licensee from the licensed premises at the conclusion of the event. [PL 2021, c. 658, §166 (AMD).] R. A certificate of approval holder, licensed sales representative or wholesale licensee that participates in a taste-testing event may distribute novelties to the public during the event at a cost not to exceed $3 per novelty. All remaining novelties under this paragraph must be removed by the certificate of approval holder, licensed sales representative or wholesale licensee from the licensed premises at the conclusion of the taste-testing event. [PL 2021, c. 658, §166 (AMD).] S. Liquor may be poured for the taste-testing event only by the owner or an employee of the on-premises retail licensee, by a sales representative licensed under section 1502 or, if the manufacturer of the liquor being poured is licensed under section 1355‑A , by the manufacturer or an employee of the manufacturer. [PL 2021, c. 658, §166 (NEW).] The bureau may adopt rules to implement this subsection. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2021, c. 658, §166 (AMD).]

9. Use of noncontiguous real estate. Notwithstanding section 2, subsection 24 , the bureau may approve the use of noncontiguous real estate near an establishment licensed under this chapter as part of the premises where the licensee may exercise the license privilege. A. The bureau shall ensure the following conditions have been met before approving the use of noncontiguous real estate as part of the licensed premises: (1) The noncontiguous real estate is owned by the municipality in which the establishment is licensed; (2) The licensee has obtained approval from the municipality to directly or indirectly control the noncontiguous real estate for the exercise of the license privilege; and (3) The bureau has determined that the noncontiguous real estate is a proper place for the exercise of the license privilege. [PL 2017, c. 337, §2 (NEW).] B. A licensed establishment authorized to use noncontiguous real estate as part of the licensed premises may not: (1) Permit any person other than an employee of the licensed establishment to transport liquor between the establishment and the noncontiguous real estate; or (2) Notwithstanding section 4, subsection 2 , sell or serve liquor on the noncontiguous real estate later than one hour after the time food service has ended or 11 p.m., whichever occurs first. [PL 2017, c. 337, §2 (NEW).] C. The area between the licensed establishment and the noncontiguous real estate may be accessible to the public if it is a public way as defined by Title 29‑A, section 101 . [PL 2017, c. 337, §2 (NEW).] D. The bureau shall adopt rules to implement the provisions of this subsection. Rules adopted pursuant to this paragraph are routine technical rules as described in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2017, c. 337, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2017, c. 337, §2 (NEW).]

10. Consumption of bottles of wine not sold on the premises. A restaurant, Class A restaurant or Class A restaurant/lounge licensed by the State to sell wine on the premises may give, serve or permit to be served a bottle of wine furnished by a person who has purchased a full meal to be consumed on the premises by that person or by another person within the same group as the person who furnished the wine and may charge a fee, not to exceed $100 per bottle, for this service. A restaurant, Class A restaurant or Class A restaurant/lounge may permit a person who furnished the bottle of wine to remove the partially consumed bottle of wine from the premises upon departure as long as the person is not visibly intoxicated as defined in section 2503, subsection 7 and the bottle of wine is removed and transported in a manner consistent with subsections 4 and 5 , respectively. [PL 2023, c. 103, §4 (NEW).]
28-A M.R.S. § 1062 — ME Code / Title 28-A / Part 3 / Chapter 43 / Section 1062
28-A §1062.  Restaurants
Status: in_force

1. Issuance of licenses. The bureau may issue licenses under this section for the sale of wine and malt liquor for on-premises consumption to restaurants, as defined in section 2, subsection 15, paragraph Q . [PL 2021, c. 658, §179 (AMD).]

2. Restaurant qualifications. [PL 1987, c. 342, §85 (RP).]

3. Income from sale of food requirement. At least 10% of the gross annual income must be from the sale of food for both year-round and part-time restaurants. A. [PL 2021, c. 658, §179 (RP).] B. [PL 2021, c. 658, §179 (RP).] [PL 2021, c. 658, §179 (AMD).]

4. Bureau to determine whether new applicant would probably meet sale of food requirement. The bureau may not issue an initial license to a restaurant unless it determines that the applicant would probably meet the requirements of subsection 3 . [PL 2021, c. 658, §179 (AMD).]

5. Proof of compliance with sale of food requirement for license renewal. The bureau may not renew a restaurant's license unless the licensee furnishes the bureau with proof that the previous year's business met the requirements of subsection 3 . If the bureau determines that the licensee has not satisfied the requirements of subsection 3 , the bureau may renew the license for only one year, during which the licensee must meet the requirements of subsection 3 to be eligible for further license renewal. [PL 2021, c. 658, §179 (NEW).]
28-A M.R.S. § 2053 — ME Code / Title 28-A / Part 6 / Chapter 81 / Section 2053
28-A §2053. Suspension of minor's operator's license for violations
Status: in_force

1. Court shall suspend license. The court shall suspend the operator's license or right to operate, or right to obtain a license, of a minor found in violation of section 2052 as follows: A. Thirty days for the first offense; [PL 1993, c. 93, §4 (NEW).] B. Ninety days for the 2nd offense; and [PL 1993, c. 93, §4 (NEW).] C. One year for any subsequent offense. [PL 1993, c. 93, §4 (NEW).] The court shall immediately forward to the Secretary of State the record of adjudication on the form furnished for reporting convictions and adjudications for violations of Title 29‑A . [PL 2025, c. 173, §13 (AMD).]

1-A. Suspend license. The court may suspend the operator's license, or right to operate a motor vehicle or right to obtain a license, of a minor found in violation of section 2051, subsection 1, paragraph D for 30 days for the first offense. The court shall suspend the operator's license, or right to operate a motor vehicle or right to obtain a license, of a minor found in violation of section 2051, subsection 1, paragraph D as follows: A. Ninety days for the 2nd offense; and [PL 2001, c. 160, §2 (NEW).] B. One year for any subsequent offense. [PL 2001, c. 160, §2 (NEW).] The court shall immediately forward to the Secretary of State the record of adjudication on the form furnished for reporting convictions and adjudications for violations of Title 29‑A . [PL 2025, c. 173, §14 (AMD).]

2. Additional suspension by court. [PL 1993, c. 93, §5 (RP).]

3. Secretary of State shall suspend license. Immediately upon receipt of the record, the Secretary of State shall suspend the license, or right to operate, or right to obtain a license, of the minor for the required period, without further hearing. The Secretary of State shall also assign demerit points according to Title 29‑A, section 2458, subsection 3 . [PL 1995, c. 65, Pt. A, §81 (AMD); PL 1995, c. 65, Pt. A, §153 (AFF); PL 1995, c. 65, Pt. C, §15 (AFF).]

4. Penalty. The penalties provided in this section and section 2052 are not in conflict with Title 15, Part 6 . [PL 1991, c. 337, §2 (AMD).]
28-A M.R.S. § 1052-D — ME Code / Title 28-A / Part 3 / Chapter 43 / Section 1052-D
28-A §1052-D. Taste-testing event license
Status: in_force

1. Taste-testing event license. One or more certificate of approval holders, wholesale licensees or spirits suppliers may apply jointly in any combination for a license to participate in a taste-testing event subject to the conditions prescribed by this section. [PL 2021, c. 658, §168 (AMD).]

2. Sponsored manufacturers. For the purposes of this section, "sponsored manufacturer" means a manufacturer without a license or certificate of approval that is sponsored by a person licensed under subsection 1 . A sponsored manufacturer licensed in another state may participate in the taste-testing event in the same manner and subject to the same conditions as a person licensed under subsection 1 if: A. The sponsored manufacturer provides a copy of state and federal licenses or permits authorizing the manufacture of liquor; and [PL 2021, c. 658, §168 (AMD).] B. The sponsored manufacturer is included on the application for the taste-testing event license. [PL 2013, c. 531, §4 (NEW).] Nothing in this section prohibits a person licensed under subsection 1 from sponsoring more than one sponsored manufacturer. [PL 2021, c. 658, §168 (AMD).]

3. Application. An applicant for a taste-testing event license shall submit a written application to the bureau no later than 15 calendar days prior to the first day of the taste-testing event. The application must include the following: A. The name and address of each applicant; [PL 2013, c. 531, §4 (NEW).] B. The title and purpose of the taste-testing event; [PL 2013, c. 531, §4 (NEW).] C. The date, time and duration of the taste-testing event; [PL 2013, c. 531, §4 (NEW).] D. The address and location of the taste-testing event including a description of the area designated for the taste-testing event; [PL 2013, c. 531, §4 (NEW).] E. The names of each sponsored manufacturer that intends to take part in the taste-testing event and the name of the certificate of approval holder or manufacturer that has agreed to be the manufacturer's sponsor; [PL 2021, c. 658, §168 (AMD).] F. The sample size and overall sample limit that will be imposed for each day of the taste-testing event consistent with the requirements in subsection 7, paragraph C ; and [PL 2013, c. 531, §4 (NEW).] G. Approval by the municipal officer or a municipal official designated by the municipal officers of the municipality where the taste-testing event will be located. Notwithstanding section 653 , the approval may be granted without public notice. [PL 2013, c. 531, §4 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 658, §168 (AMD).]

4. Fee. The license fee for a taste-testing event license is $20 for each person licensed under subsection 1 and each sponsored manufacturer participating in the taste-testing event. [PL 2021, c. 658, §168 (AMD).]

5. Ruling on application. Upon receipt of an application under subsection 3 , the bureau shall immediately approve or deny the application. The bureau shall advise applicants that the license may be suspended or revoked under chapter 33 . [PL 2013, c. 531, §4 (NEW).]

6. Up to 10 licensed events per year; one event per license. A person eligible for a license under subsection 1 may obtain up to 10 licenses under this section per calendar year. Each license permits a taste-testing event lasting up to 4 consecutive days. [PL 2021, c. 658, §168 (AMD).]

7. Conditions. The following conditions apply to taste-testing events licensed under this section. A. A person may not be charged a fee, except the fee for admission, for any malt liquor, wine or spirits that are offered for taste testing at the event. [PL 2021, c. 658, §168 (AMD).] B. The venue for the taste-testing event may not be currently licensed to serve any type of liquor for on-premises consumption. If the venue is currently licensed for on-premises consumption, the bureau shall temporarily suspend the authority of the on-premises retail licensee to sell liquor for on-premises consumption in the area designated for the taste-testing event. Notwithstanding paragraph A , the on-premises retail licensee may sell liquor for on-premises consumption outside the area designated for the taste-testing event. [PL 2021, c. 658, §168 (AMD).] C. A licensee under this section shall limit the size of samples provided for tasting to 4 ounces of malt liquor, 1 1/2 ounces of wine and 1/2 ounce of spirits. A licensee shall limit the total number of samples to 12 per day, per person, except that: (1) The 12-sample limit does not apply when the licensee provides a variety of substantial food offerings to patrons of the taste-testing event. For the purposes of this subparagraph, "substantial food" does not include offerings such as prepackaged snacks, pretzels, peanuts, popcorn or chips; and (2) The sample-size and 12-sample limit do not apply when a licensee includes, as part of a taste-testing event, a multicourse sit-down meal designed to pair food with complementing liquor. This exception applies only at a taste-testing event that is designed to promote the food and beverage or hospitality industry at which at least 50% of the vendors represent and promote a business other than the manufacture or distribution of liquor. [PL 2021, c. 658, §168 (AMD).] D. A licensee under this section shall record the number of patrons admitted to the taste-testing event by requiring patrons to submit a ticket or sign a register or by employing some similar method of tracking attendance. [PL 2021, c. 658, §168 (AMD).] E. Points of entry to the taste-testing venue must be clearly defined and monitored to ensure consumption takes place only within the designated area of the taste-testing event. [PL 2013, c. 531, §4 (NEW).] F. A minor is prohibited from attending the taste-testing event unless accompanied by a parent or guardian or unless the alcohol served at the taste-testing event is confined to a segregated area from which minors are prohibited. [PL 2013, c. 531, §4 (NEW).] G. Malt liquor, wine or spirits for taste testing may not be poured in advance and made available for patrons of the taste-testing event to serve themselves. [PL 2013, c. 531, §4 (NEW).] H. A person who is visibly intoxicated may not be served. [PL 2013, c. 531, §4 (NEW).] I. A person licensed under subsection 1 may provide for taste testing any malt liquor or wine that the licensee manufactures or distributes that is registered and authorized for distribution and sale under this Title or any spirits that the licensee manufactures or distributes that are listed for sale by the commission. Excise taxes for malt liquor and wine under section 1652 must be paid before the scheduled date of the taste-testing event. [PL 2021, c. 658, §168 (AMD).] J. A sponsored manufacturer may, for the purpose of promoting spirits, wine or malt liquor for distribution and sale in the State, provide for taste testing any spirits, wine or malt liquor that the sponsored manufacturer manufactures outside the State and that has been registered with the United States Department of the Treasury, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. All containers of spirits, wine or malt liquor served in accordance with this paragraph, including empty containers, must be removed from the State following the taste-testing event. All spirits, wine and malt liquor provided for the taste-testing event under this paragraph are subject to excise taxes under section 1652 and premiums, when applicable, under section 1703 . [PL 2021, c. 658, §168 (AMD).] K. Each person licensed under subsection 1 and each participating sponsored manufacturer described under subsection 2 shall make available to the bureau or local law enforcement agency upon request a list of the persons designated by the respective licensee to serve malt liquor, wine or spirits for taste testing at the event. The list must be accompanied by an affidavit attesting that no person designated to serve alcohol for taste testing has been found to have violated any state or federal law prohibiting the sale or furnishing of alcohol to a minor. [PL 2021, c. 658, §168 (AMD).] L. Each person licensed under subsection 1 and each participating sponsored manufacturer described under subsection 2 shall provide to a person designated to serve malt liquor, wine or spirits for taste testing a badge or similar means of identification that clearly identifies the name of the licensee or sponsored manufacturer. The badge or similar means of identification must be worn in a manner so that it is conspicuous and clearly visible to a person being served. [PL 2021, c. 658, §168 (AMD).] [PL 2021, c. 658, §168 (AMD).]

8. Information to be provided by the bureau. The bureau shall develop an informational pamphlet or similar document that is posted on the bureau's publicly accessible website describing the conditions that apply to the conduct of a taste-testing event, including generally applicable laws and rules that are not described in this section. The bureau shall consider commonly cited violations from similar events that have been conducted in the State when developing the informational pamphlet or similar document. [PL 2013, c. 531, §4 (NEW).]

9. Retail sales for off-premises consumption. Notwithstanding any provision of this Title to the contrary, a licensed in-state brewery, small brewery, winery, small winery, distillery or small distillery may sell for off-premises consumption at a taste-testing event under this section malt liquor, wine or spirits manufactured in the State by the licensee under the following conditions. A. Malt liquor, wine or spirits for retail sale must be prepackaged and sold by the bottle or case. A sale must be accompanied by a sales receipt. [PL 2021, c. 658, §168 (NEW).] B. Spirits sold by a distillery are subject to the listing, pricing and distribution provisions of this Title. Spirits sold by a small distillery may be sold in the same manner as permitted under section 1355‑A, subsection 5, paragraph G . [PL 2021, c. 658, §168 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 658, §168 (NEW).]
28-A M.R.S. § 12 — ME Code / Title 28-A / Part 1 / Chapter 1 / Section 12
28-A §12. Inspection of premises
Status: in_force

No licensee may refuse representatives of the bureau the right at any time to inspect the entire licensed premises or to audit the books and records of the licensee. [PL 1997, c. 373, §26 (AMD).]
28-A M.R.S. § 652 — ME Code / Title 28-A / Part 3 / Chapter 27 / Section 652
28-A §652. Application procedure
Status: in_force

1. License or certificate of approval fee. An applicant shall enclose the fee for the license or certificate of approval prescribed by this Title with the application for the license or certificate of approval. [PL 2021, c. 658, §93 (AMD).]

2. Effective date and term of license or certificate of approval. All full-year licenses and certificates of approval are effective for one year from the date of issuance. All part-time licenses and certificates of approval are effective for the term of the license or certificate of approval from the date of issuance. [PL 2021, c. 658, §93 (AMD).]

3. Renewal. Licenses and certificates of approval may be renewed upon application for renewal and payment of the annual fee, subject to bureau rules. [PL 2021, c. 658, §93 (AMD).]

4. Multiple licenses. A licensee applying for a license to operate more than one premises shall pay the fee prescribed for the type of license to be exercised at each premises. [PL 2021, c. 658, §93 (AMD).]

5. Filing fee. Except as provided in paragraph A , an applicant for an original or renewal license or certificate of approval shall pay a filing fee of $10 when filing the application. A. In unincorporated places, the applicant shall pay the filing fee of $10 to the county treasurer of the county in which the unincorporated place is located. All applications for a license in unincorporated places must be accompanied by evidence of payment of the filing fee to the county treasurer. [PL 1987, c. 769, Pt. A, §114 (AMD).] [PL 2021, c. 658, §93 (AMD).]

6. Public service license. [PL 2021, c. 658, §93 (RP).]
28-A M.R.S. § 805 — ME Code / Title 28-A / Part 3 / Chapter 33 / Section 805
28-A §805. Appeal from decision of District Court or bureau
Status: in_force

1. Aggrieved person may appeal within 30 days. A person aggrieved by the decision of the District Court in revoking or suspending any license or certificate of approval issued by the bureau or by refusal of the bureau to issue a license or certificate of approval may, within 30 days of the decision or refusal, appeal to the Superior Court by filing a complaint. A. The 30-day period for appeal begins on: (1) In the case of a suspension or revocation, the effective date of the suspension or revocation; or (2) In the case of refusal by the bureau to issue a license or certificate of approval, on the day when the bureau sends by registered or certified mail notice to the applicant at the address of the applicant's business given in the applicant's application for a license or certificate of approval. [PL 2021, c. 658, §119 (AMD).] B. Filing the complaint in the Superior Court stops the running of the limitation period. [PL 1987, c. 45, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 658, §119 (AMD).]

2. Suspension or revocation suspended pending appeal. The operation of a suspension or revocation of a license or certificate of approval imposed by the District Court must be suspended, pending judgment of the Superior Court, if the licensee files an appeal in the Superior Court and notifies the District Court that the appeal has been filed, within 7 days of the mailing of the decision of the District Court by certified mail to the address given by the licensee at the time of the application for the license or certificate of approval. [PL 2021, c. 658, §119 (AMD).]

3. Superior Court hearing. [PL 2011, c. 559, Pt. A, §32 (RP).]

4. Superior Court decision. After the hearing, the Superior Court may affirm, modify or reverse the decision of the District Court. [PL 2021, c. 658, §119 (AMD).]

5. Further appeal. An aggrieved person may appeal the Superior Court decision to the Supreme Judicial Court. Upon appeal, the Supreme Judicial Court may, after consideration, reverse or modify any decree made by the Superior Court based upon an erroneous ruling or finding of law. [PL 2021, c. 658, §119 (AMD).]
28-A M.R.S. § 653 — ME Code / Title 28-A / Part 3 / Chapter 27 / Section 653
28-A §653. Hearings; bureau review; appeal
Status: in_force

1. Hearings. The municipal officers or, in the case of unincorporated places, the county commissioners of the county in which the unincorporated place is located, may hold a public hearing for the consideration of applications for new on-premises licenses, applications for transfer of location of existing on-premises licenses and applications for common consumption area licenses. The municipal officers or county commissioners may hold a public hearing for the consideration of requests for renewal of licenses, except that when an applicant has held a license for the prior 5 years and a complaint has not been filed against the applicant within that time, the applicant may request a waiver of the hearing. A. The bureau shall prepare and supply application forms. [PL 1993, c. 730, §27 (AMD).] A-1. An applicant for a common consumption area license must certify that the applicant's premises are located within an entertainment district established in accordance with section 221 . The municipal officers shall evaluate the merits of each applicant and separately issue or deny a license to each applicant. Applications for an unestablished common consumption area must be submitted jointly by all persons that seek to operate the common consumption area. A person may submit an individual application for a license to operate an established common consumption area. [PL 2019, c. 281, §6 (NEW).] B. The municipal officers or the county commissioners, as the case may be, shall provide public notice of any hearing held under this section by causing a notice, at the applicant's or applicants' prepaid expense, stating the name and place of hearing, to appear on at least 3 consecutive days before the date of hearing in a daily newspaper having general circulation in the municipality where the premises are located or one week before the date of the hearing in a weekly newspaper having general circulation in the municipality where the premises are located. [PL 2019, c. 281, §6 (AMD).] C. If the municipal officers or the county commissioners, as the case may be, fail to take final action on an application for a new on-premises license, transfer of the location of an existing on-premises license or common consumption area license within 60 days of the filing of an application, the application is deemed approved and ready for action by the bureau. For purposes of this paragraph, the date of filing of the application is the date the application is received by the municipal officers or county commissioners. This paragraph applies to all applications pending before municipal officers or county commissioners as of the effective date of this paragraph as well as all applications filed on or after the effective date of this paragraph. This paragraph applies to an existing on-premises license that has been extended pending renewal. The municipal officers or the county commissioners shall take final action on an on-premises license that has been extended pending renewal within 120 days of the filing of the application. [PL 2019, c. 281, §6 (AMD).] D. If an application is approved by the municipal officers or the county commissioners but the bureau finds, after inspection of the premises and the records of the applicant, that the applicant does not qualify for the class of license applied for, the bureau shall notify the applicant of that fact in writing. The bureau shall give the applicant 30 days to file an amended application for the appropriate class of license, accompanied by any additional license fee, with the municipal officers or county commissioners, as the case may be. If the applicant fails to file an amended application within 30 days, the original application must be denied by the bureau. The bureau shall notify the applicant in writing of its decision to deny the application including the reasons for the denial and the rights of appeal of the applicant. [PL 1995, c. 140, §5 (NEW).] [PL 2019, c. 281, §6 (AMD).]

2. Findings. In granting or denying an application, the municipal officers or the county commissioners shall indicate the reasons for their decision and provide a copy to the applicant. A license may be denied on one or more of the following grounds: A. Conviction of the applicant of any Class A, Class B or Class C crime; [PL 1987, c. 45, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).] B. Noncompliance of the licensed premises or its use with any local zoning ordinance or other land use ordinance not directly related to liquor control; [PL 1987, c. 45, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).] C. Conditions of record such as waste disposal violations, health or safety violations or repeated parking or traffic violations on or in the vicinity of the licensed premises and caused by persons patronizing or employed by the licensed premises or other such conditions caused by persons patronizing or employed by the licensed premises that unreasonably disturb, interfere with or affect the ability of persons or businesses residing or located in the vicinity of the licensed premises to use their property in a reasonable manner; [PL 1993, c. 730, §27 (AMD).] D. Repeated incidents of record of breaches of the peace, disorderly conduct, vandalism or other violations of law on or in the vicinity of the licensed premises and caused by persons patronizing or employed by the licensed premises; [PL 1989, c. 592, §3 (AMD).] D-1. Failure to obtain, or comply with the provisions of, a permit for music, dancing or entertainment required by a municipality or, in the case of an unincorporated place, the county commissioners; [PL 2017, c. 13, §1 (NEW).] E. A violation of any provision of this Title; [PL 2009, c. 81, §1 (AMD).] F. A determination by the municipal officers or county commissioners that the purpose of the application is to circumvent the provisions of section 601 ; and [PL 2009, c. 81, §2 (AMD).] G. After September 1, 2010, server training, in a program certified by the bureau and required by local ordinance, has not been completed by individuals who serve liquor. [PL 2021, c. 658, §94 (AMD).] [PL 2021, c. 658, §94 (AMD).]

2-A. Common consumption area license applications. In addition to the grounds for denial set forth in subsection 2 , the municipal officers may deny a common consumption area license if: A. The applicant fails to establish that the common consumption area can be operated without creating a safety risk to the properties within the entertainment district; [PL 2019, c. 281, §7 (NEW).] B. The applicant fails to obtain or maintain a properly endorsed general liability and liquor liability insurance policy that is reasonably acceptable to the municipal officers and names the local licensing authority as an additional insured; or [PL 2019, c. 281, §7 (NEW).] C. The use is not compatible with the reasonable requirements of or existing uses in the entertainment district. [PL 2019, c. 281, §7 (NEW).] [PL 2019, c. 281, §7 (NEW).]

3. Appeal to bureau. Any applicant aggrieved by the decision of the municipal officers or county commissioners under this section may appeal to the bureau within 15 days of the receipt of the written decision of the municipal officers or county commissioners. The bureau shall hold a public hearing in the city, town or unincorporated place where the premises are situated. In acting on such an appeal, the bureau may consider all licensure requirements and findings referred to in subsection 2 . A. [PL 1993, c. 730, §27 (RP).] B. If the decision appealed from is an application denial, the bureau may issue the license only if it finds by clear and convincing evidence that the decision was without justifiable cause. [PL 1993, c. 730, §27 (AMD).] [PL 1995, c. 140, §6 (AMD).]

4. No license to person who moved to obtain a license. [PL 1987, c. 342, §32 (RP).]

5. Appeal to District Court. Any person or governmental entity aggrieved by a bureau decision under this section may appeal the decision to the District Court within 30 days of receipt of the written decision of the bureau. An applicant who files an appeal or who has an appeal pending shall pay the annual license fee the applicant would otherwise pay. Upon resolution of the appeal, if an applicant's license renewal is denied, the bureau shall refund the applicant the prorated amount of the unused license fee. [PL 1995, c. 140, §7 (AMD); PL 1999, c. 547, Pt. B, §78 (AMD); PL 1999, c. 547, Pt. B, §80 (AFF).]
28-A M.R.S. § 2520 — ME Code / Title 28-A / Part 8 / Chapter 100 / Section 2520
28-A §2520. Liquor service education
Status: in_force

The bureau shall provide educational services regarding retail liquor sales as follows. [PL 1997, c. 373, §170 (AMD).]

1. Seminars. The bureau shall, from time to time, conduct seminars throughout the State to provide retailers and their employees with information on changes in the laws governing retail sales of liquor. [PL 1997, c. 373, §170 (AMD).]

2. Informational signs. The bureau shall develop informational signs which may be located in retail establishments. These signs must outline requirements of state law regarding proper identification for retail sales and other information to enhance compliance with state liquor laws. [PL 1997, c. 373, §170 (AMD).]

3. Legal pamphlet. The bureau shall prepare a pamphlet summarizing state laws governing retail liquor sales. The bureau shall make single copies of this pamphlet available to retailers. [PL 1997, c. 373, §170 (AMD).]

4. Legislative review. [PL 1991, c. 837, Pt. A, §60 (RP).]
28-B M.R.S. § 605 — ME Code / Title 28-B / Chapter 1 / Section 605
28-B §605. Additional testing not required
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding section 602 , a licensee may sell or furnish to a consumer adult use cannabis or an adult use cannabis product that the licensee has not submitted for testing in accordance with this subchapter and rules adopted pursuant to this subchapter if: [PL 2021, c. 612, §3 (AMD); PL 2021, c. 669, §5 (REV).]

1. Prior testing. The cannabis or cannabis product has previously undergone testing in accordance with this subchapter and rules adopted pursuant to this subchapter at the direction of another licensee and that testing demonstrated that the cannabis or cannabis product does not exceed the maximum level of allowable contamination for any contaminant that is injurious to health and for which testing is required; [PL 2017, c. 409, Pt. A, §6 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 669, §5 (REV).]

2. Proper documentation. The mandatory testing process and the test results for the cannabis or cannabis product are documented in accordance with the requirements of this chapter and all applicable rules adopted pursuant to this chapter; [PL 2017, c. 409, Pt. A, §6 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 669, §5 (REV).]

3. Tracking maintained. Tracking from immature cannabis plant to the point of retail sale has been maintained for the cannabis or cannabis product and transfers of the cannabis or cannabis product to another licensee or to a consumer can be easily identified; and [PL 2017, c. 409, Pt. A, §6 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 669, §5 (REV).]

4. No subsequent processing, manufacturing or alteration. Since the performance of the prior testing under subsection 1 , the cannabis or cannabis product has not undergone any further processing, manufacturing or alteration that would result in an increase in the concentration of any contaminants or factors identified in section 602, subsection 1 or in any rules adopted by the office pursuant to that section. [PL 2023, c. 679, Pt. B, §120 (AMD).]
28-A M.R.S. § 708 — ME Code / Title 28-A / Part 3 / Chapter 29 / Section 708
28-A §708. Prohibited discounts and rebates
Status: in_force

1. Certificate of approval holders. [PL 2021, c. 658, §100 (RP).]

1-A. Manufacturers and wholesalers of malt liquor or wine. A licensed in-state manufacturer of malt liquor or wine and an out-of-state manufacturer of or out-of-state wholesaler of malt liquor or wine that has been issued a certificate of approval may not: A. Offer any special discounts, volume discounts or other reduced prices or discounts on malt liquor or wine to a wholesale licensee, except bona fide price reductions under section 1408 offered to all wholesale licensees; or [PL 2021, c. 658, §100 (NEW).] B. Offer depletion allowances to wholesale licensees unless the depletion allowance is posted in accordance with section 1408 . [PL 2021, c. 658, §100 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 658, §100 (NEW).]

1-B. Certificate of approval holders. Except as provided in this section, a certificate of approval holder may not offer any free merchandise, rebate, refund or gift to a purchaser of spirits, wine or malt liquor. [PL 2021, c. 658, §100 (NEW).]

2. Wholesale licensees. A wholesale licensee may not offer to retail licensees any special discounts, volume discounts, depletion allowances, other reduced prices or discounts, or refunds except bona fide price reductions under section 1408 offered to all retail licensees. A wholesale licensee may not offer any free merchandise, rebate, refund or gift to a purchaser of malt liquor or wine. [PL 2021, c. 658, §100 (AMD).]

3. Retail licensees. A retail licensee may not offer any free merchandise, rebate, refund or gift to a purchaser of liquor. [PL 2021, c. 658, §100 (AMD).]

4. Special package plans or price premiums. [PL 1987, c. 342, §44 (RP).]

5. Combination packages. Notwithstanding subsection 3 , agency liquor store licensees may offer for sale any package or combination of packages of spirits that the commission has approved for sale in the State. [PL 2021, c. 658, §100 (AMD).]

6. Marketing and mail-in promotions. Upon approval by the commission, promotional materials designed to encourage a consumer to purchase a spirits product to be attached to or displayed near the spirits product where it is offered for sale for off-premises consumption may be offered by those whose spirits products are listed by the commission. Upon approval by the commission, a mail-in rebate may be provided to consumers through print or electronic media, attached to the spirits product or displayed near the spirits product where the spirits product is offered for sale for off-premises consumption. Mail-in rebates approved by the commission must be redeemed by the manufacturer and not by the retail licensee and may not exceed the purchase price of the spirits product. Mail-in rebates authorized by this subsection must require the inclusion of the original dated sales receipt for the spirits product to which the rebate is applied. The commission may approve mail-in rebates that offer an incrementally greater discount based upon increased volume of purchased product. Mail-in rebates, certificates or merchandise included with a spirits product must be inserted in the package or attached to the package by the manufacturer or manufacturer's designated broker. [PL 2025, c. 230, Pt. A, §8 (AMD).]

7. Instant marketing promotions. The bureau or a spirits supplier may offer monetary rebates in the form of instant redeemable coupons as approved by the commission in accordance with conditions established by the commission or rules established by the bureau. Agency liquor store licensees may redeem the coupons only upon proof of purchase and in accordance with the terms listed on the coupon. Instant redeemable coupons provided by the spirits supplier must be made available to all agency liquor store licensees electing to offer the coupon in an amount equal to the agency liquor store's inventory of spirits products that are subject to the coupon promotion. The bureau or the spirits supplier may offer instant redeemable coupons to consumers through the bureau's or the spirits supplier's publicly accessible website, other digital media platforms or print media. An instant redeemable coupon used in a manner provided in this subsection for a spirits product sold by an agency liquor store licensee to a consumer is for the benefit of the consumer who purchases the spirits product. [PL 2021, c. 658, §100 (AMD).]

This section does not prohibit a certificate of approval holder from including a certificate, instant redeemable coupon or merchandise in or on a package of malt liquor, wine or low-alcohol spirits product for sale by an off-premises retailer. The package containing the certificate, instant redeemable coupon or merchandise must be packaged by the certificate of approval holder at the brewery or winery. Upon approval of the bureau, a certificate of approval holder may offer a mail-in rebate for a malt liquor, wine or low-alcohol spirits product for consumers through print or electronic media, attached to the package of malt liquor, wine or low-alcohol spirits product or displayed near where the malt liquor, wine or low-alcohol spirits product is offered for sale for off-premises consumption. Mail-in rebates authorized by this paragraph must require the inclusion of the original dated sales receipt for the product to which the rebate is applied, must be redeemed by the certificate of approval holder and may not exceed the purchase price of the malt liquor, wine or low-alcohol spirits product to which the rebate is applied. The commission may approve mail-in rebates that offer an incrementally greater discount based upon increased volume of purchased product. [PL 2021, c. 658, §100 (AMD).]

This section does not prohibit the unconditional distribution of merchandise to the patrons of an on-premises establishment. [PL 2021, c. 658, §100 (AMD).]
28-A M.R.S. § 1205 — ME Code / Title 28-A / Part 3 / Chapter 45 / Section 1205
28-A §1205. Taste testing of wine
Status: in_force

1. Taste testing on off-premises retail licensee's premises. Subject to the conditions in subsections 2 and 2‑A , the bureau may authorize an off‑premises retail licensee stocking at least 100 different wine labels to conduct taste testing of wine on that licensee's premises. Except as provided in section 1206 , an off-premises retail licensee may not allow any other consumption of liquor on the off‑premises retail licensee's premises. [PL 2021, c. 658, §214 (AMD).]

2. Conditions for conducting taste-testing events. The following conditions apply to taste-testing events under this section: A. Wine may not be served to persons who have not yet attained the age of 21 years; [PL 2009, c. 459, §2 (AMD).] B. A person may not be served more than a total of 5 ounces of wine having an alcohol content of 14% or less; and, for wine having an alcohol content greater than 14%, a person may not be served more than a total of 3 ounces of wine; [PL 2019, c. 79, §2 (AMD).] C. A person may not be charged a fee for any wine served as part of a taste-testing event; [PL 2019, c. 79, §2 (AMD).] D. A person may not be served who is visibly intoxicated; [PL 2009, c. 459, §2 (AMD).] E. A taste‑testing event must be limited to a designated area; [PL 2019, c. 79, §2 (AMD).] F. A taste‑testing event must be conducted within the hours of retail sale established in this Title; [PL 2019, c. 79, §2 (AMD).] G. [PL 2019, c. 79, §2 (RP).] H. The retail licensee may conduct an unlimited number of taste‑testing events per month. If the retail licensee complies with the applicable requirements of sections 460 and 1207 , the retail licensee may offer spirits and malt liquor for tasting at the same time as wine; [PL 2021, c. 131, §2 (AMD).] I. A taste‑testing event is not allowed in any municipality where on-premises and off-premises sales are not allowed pursuant to chapter 5 ; [PL 2019, c. 79, §2 (AMD).] J. [PL 2019, c. 79, §2 (RP).] K. [PL 2023, c. 349, §3 (RP).] K-1. Wine served at a taste‑testing event must be: (1) Purchased by the retail licensee from a wholesale licensee; (2) Purchased, at the retail price, by a licensed sales representative participating in the taste-testing event from existing stock available for purchase at the retail licensee's premises; or (3) Provided by a licensed sales representative participating in the taste-testing event or by a manufacturer licensed under section 1355‑A participating in the taste-testing event and purchased in the State at the retail price. A record of a transaction under this subparagraph must be maintained and made available to the bureau. After the taste-testing event is concluded, the licensed sales representative or manufacturer shall remove all products supplied for the taste-testing event from the licensee's premises; [PL 2023, c. 349, §4 (NEW).] L. Prior to a taste-testing event, the retail licensee shall post prominently at the entrance to the store a sign that announces the date and time of the event; [PL 2021, c. 658, §215 (AMD).] M. An off‑premises retail licensee, with prior approval from the bureau, may conduct an invitation-only taste-testing event at the off‑premises retail licensee's premises in place of or to coincide with a taste-testing event that is open to the public. A taste-testing event that is exclusively invitation only is not subject to the posting requirement in paragraph L ; and [PL 2021, c. 658, §216 (AMD).] N. Wine may be poured for the taste-testing event only by the owner or an employee of the off-premises retail licensee, by a sales representative licensed under section 1502 or, if the manufacturer of the wine being poured is licensed under section 1355‑A , by the manufacturer or an employee of the manufacturer. [PL 2021, c. 658, §217 (NEW).] [PL 2023, c. 349, §§3, 4 (AMD).]

2-A. Written permission from the bureau. An off‑premises retail licensee must obtain the written permission of the bureau before conducting a taste‑testing event using the following procedure. A. The retail licensee shall request authority to conduct a taste‑testing event using forms prescribed by the bureau. [PL 2019, c. 79, §2 (NEW).] B. The retail licensee may submit a separate form for each taste‑testing event or a single form listing some or all of the taste‑testing events the retail licensee requests authority to conduct in a calendar month under this section, section 460 and section 1207 . [PL 2019, c. 79, §2 (NEW).] C. The request must indicate the date and time for each taste‑testing event and the liquor product or products that will be offered at each event. [PL 2019, c. 79, §2 (NEW).] D. [PL 2021, c. 658, §218 (RP).] [PL 2021, c. 658, §218 (AMD).]

3. Rules. The bureau may adopt rules to implement this section. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2013, c. 476, Pt. A, §27 (AMD).]
28-A M.R.S. § 1066-A — ME Code / Title 28-A / Part 3 / Chapter 43 / Section 1066-A
28-A §1066-A. Taverns
Status: in_force

1. Issuance of licenses. The bureau may issue licenses under this section for the sale of malt liquor to be consumed on the premises to taverns as defined in section 2, subsection 15, paragraph T‑1 . [PL 2023, c. 405, Pt. A, §102 (AMD).]

2. Minors not permitted on premises. Minors are not permitted to remain on the premises of a licensed tavern unless: A. Accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or custodian, as defined in Title 22, section 4002 ; or [PL 2021, c. 658, §184 (AMD).] B. Employed under section 704 . [PL 1991, c. 824, Pt. A, §58 (AMD).] [PL 2021, c. 658, §184 (AMD).]
28-A M.R.S. § 122 — ME Code / Title 28-A / Part 1 / Chapter 5 / Section 122
28-A §122. Unincorporated places
Status: in_force

1. No local option election. No local option election may be held in unincorporated places. [PL 1989, c. 158, §2 (RPR).]

2. Authorization of sales. The county commissioners may, after holding a public hearing: A. Authorize or refuse to authorize the sale of liquor to be consumed on the premises where sold; and [PL 1987, c. 342, §17 (NEW).] B. Authorize or refuse to authorize the sale of liquor to be consumed off the premises where sold. [PL 1987, c. 342, §17 (NEW).] [PL 1987, c. 342, §17 (NEW).]

3. Approval of licenses. The county commissioners may refuse to approve a liquor license application on the ground that the license is not warranted for any substantial public convenience, necessity or demand. [PL 1987, c. 342, §17 (NEW).]
28-A M.R.S. § 2508 — ME Code / Title 28-A / Part 8 / Chapter 100 / Section 2508
28-A §2508. Damages
Status: in_force

1. Damages. Damages may be awarded for property damage, bodily injury or death proximately caused by the consumption of the liquor served by the server. [PL 1987, c. 45, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).]

2. Damages under wrongful death and survival laws. Except as otherwise provided in this Act, damages may be recovered under Title 18‑C, sections 2‑807 and 3‑817 , as in other tort actions, subject to the damage limit of section 2509 . [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. C, §81 (AMD); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]
28-A M.R.S. § 1051-A — ME Code / Title 28-A / Part 3 / Chapter 43 / Section 1051-A
28-A §1051-A. Vendor operation on premises of host licensee
Status: in_force

1. Definitions. For purposes of this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Host licensee" means an establishment licensed under this chapter to sell liquor for consumption on the premises and licensed by the Department of Health and Human Services or the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to prepare, serve, sell or offer for sale food that uses the services of a licensed vendor or unlicensed vendor. [PL 2025, c. 189, §1 (NEW).] B. "Licensed vendor" means a person that holds a license issued by the Department of Health and Human Services or the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to prepare, serve, sell or offer for sale food. [PL 2025, c. 189, §1 (NEW).] C. "Unlicensed vendor" means a person that does not hold a license issued by the Department of Health and Human Services or the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to prepare, serve, sell or offer for sale food. [PL 2025, c. 189, §1 (NEW).] D. "Vendor" means a licensed vendor or unlicensed vendor. [PL 2025, c. 189, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2025, c. 189, §1 (NEW).]

2. Conditions. A vendor may operate on the premises of a host licensee under the following conditions. A. If an unlicensed vendor prepares, serves, sells or offers for sale any food on the premises of a host licensee, the host licensee is responsible for ensuring that the preparation, serving, selling or offering for sale of food complies with applicable food, health and safety rules. [PL 2025, c. 189, §1 (NEW).] B. If a licensed vendor prepares, serves, sells or offers for sale food, the licensed vendor is responsible for ensuring that its operations comply with food, health and safety rules applicable to the license to prepare, serve, sell or offer for sale food as issued by the Department of Health and Human Services or the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. [PL 2025, c. 189, §1 (NEW).] C. A vendor may serve alcoholic beverages on the premises of the host licensee only if those beverages are supplied exclusively by the host licensee and the host licensee or an employee of the host licensee who is authorized to serve liquor is present. [PL 2025, c. 189, §1 (NEW).] D. A vendor employee may serve alcohol only if the employee is authorized to serve liquor and the vendor employee has provided to the host licensee an affidavit stating that the vendor employee has not been convicted of a first offense of violating section 2078 or section 2081, subsection 1, paragraph A or B within 2 years of the date of the affidavit nor convicted of a second offense of violating section 2078 or section 2081, subsection 1, paragraph A or B within 5 years of the date of the affidavit. The affidavit must be executed prior to the vendor operating on the premises of a host licensee. The bureau shall develop the affidavit form required by this paragraph and provide a copy of the affidavit to vendors. [PL 2025, c. 189, §1 (NEW).] E. A vendor employee who serves alcohol on the premises of the host licensee is considered a server of the host licensee for purposes of the Maine Liquor Liability Act. [PL 2025, c. 189, §1 (NEW).] F. The host licensee must maintain for a period of at least one year a written record of all operations involving vendors, including the name and contact information of the vendor, menus offered by the vendor and the dates and times of operation. [PL 2025, c. 189, §1 (NEW).] G. The vendor is responsible for collecting and remitting all applicable state and federal sales taxes on food and beverage sales conducted during its operations on the premises of the host licensee. [PL 2025, c. 189, §1 (NEW).] H. A host licensee is liable for any violation of the liquor laws or any rule adopted by the bureau committed by a vendor on the premises of the host licensee and is subject to any fine imposed for a violation. The license of the host licensee may be revoked or suspended and may be subject to the revocation or suspension of any other licenses that the host licensee holds. [PL 2025, c. 189, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2025, c. 189, §1 (NEW).]
28-B M.R.S. § 104-A — ME Code / Title 28-B / Chapter 1 / Section 104-A
28-B §104-A. Office of Cannabis Policy
Status: in_force

The Legislature finds cannabis to be an emerging agricultural and manufacturing industry in the State contributing to the State's overall economy. [PL 2023, c. 679, Pt. B, §5 (NEW).]

The Legislature further finds that a well-regulated cannabis industry remains the most effective tool in diminishing the impact of illicit-market cannabis activity within the State. [PL 2023, c. 679, Pt. B, §5 (NEW).]

For these purposes, the Office of Cannabis Policy is established within the Department of Administrative and Financial Services and is maintained for the administration and enforcement of this Act and the Maine Medical Use of Cannabis Act. [PL 2023, c. 679, Pt. B, §5 (NEW).]
28-A M.R.S. § 1368 — ME Code / Title 28-A / Part 3 / Chapter 51 / Section 1368
28-A §1368. Retail sales and taste testing at farmers' markets
Status: in_force

1. Farmers' market defined. For purposes of this section, "farmers' market" has the same meaning as in Title 7, section 415, subsection 1, paragraph A . [PL 2019, c. 360, §6 (NEW).]

2. Retail sales and taste-testing events at farmers' markets. Subject to the conditions set forth in this section and the applicable bylaws of the farmers' market, a small brewery, small winery or small distillery licensed under section 1355‑A or an employee of the licensee who is at least 21 years of age may sell or offer for taste testing at a farmers' market any wine, spirits or malt liquor manufactured in the State by the licensee. [PL 2019, c. 360, §6 (NEW).]

3. Conditions. The following conditions apply to retail sales and taste-testing events permitted under this section: A. The licensee shall apply for authorization to conduct retail sales or taste-testing events at farmers' markets using a form prescribed by the bureau and by paying an annual fee of $75. The licensee shall submit the application at least 30 days prior to the first date when the licensee will conduct retail sales or conduct a taste-testing event at a farmers' market; [PL 2019, c. 360, §6 (NEW).] B. Prior to each month during which the licensee wishes to conduct retail sales or taste-testing events at farmers' markets, the licensee shall provide to the bureau a list of the date, time and location of each farmers' market at which the licensee intends to conduct retail sales or taste-testing events and must receive approval from the bureau for that month. The bureau may request a diagram of the layout of each farmers' market at which the licensee intends to conduct retail sales or taste-testing events; [PL 2019, c. 360, §6 (NEW).] C. The licensee shall keep and maintain a record of the dates, times and locations of the licensee's conduct of retail sales or taste-testing events at farmers' markets under this section; [PL 2019, c. 360, §6 (NEW).] D. The farmers' market must consist of at least 6 separate stalls or booths that sell farm or food products, not including liquor, and must be authorized by the bureau under subsection 4 ; [PL 2019, c. 360, §6 (NEW).] E. The stall or booth operated by the licensee at the farmers' market is considered part of the licensed premises of the licensee for purposes of this chapter; [PL 2019, c. 360, §6 (NEW).] F. All wine, spirits and malt liquor for retail sale must be prepackaged and sold by the bottle or case. The holder of a small distillery license may provide spirits for sale at a farmers' market in the same manner as permitted under section 1355‑A, subsection 5, paragraph G ; [PL 2019, c. 360, §6 (NEW).] G. The licensee may not charge a fee for samples at a taste-testing event under this section and may not serve spirits, wine or malt liquor to a minor or an individual who is visibly intoxicated. The licensee may not serve a taste-testing sample of more than 4 ounces of malt liquor, 1 1/2 ounces of wine or 1/2 ounce of spirits and may not serve an individual more than 6 samples per day; and [PL 2019, c. 360, §6 (NEW).] H. All activities authorized under this section must be conducted within the hours of retail sales established in this Title and may not be conducted in any municipality where on-premises and off-premises sales are not allowed pursuant to chapter 5 . [PL 2019, c. 360, §6 (NEW).] [PL 2019, c. 360, §6 (NEW).]

4. Farmers' market authorization. At least 30 days prior to the sale or taste testing of wine, spirits or malt liquor, a farmers' market must obtain municipal approval to sell or conduct taste testing of wine, spirits and malt liquor under this section. If the farmers' market is held on private property, the application must include a written statement signed by the owner of the property permitting the sale or taste testing of wine, spirits or malt liquor in accordance with this section. [PL 2019, c. 360, §6 (NEW).]

5. Rules. The bureau may adopt rules to carry out the purposes of this section. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2019, c. 360, §6 (NEW).]
28-B M.R.S. § 207 — ME Code / Title 28-B / Chapter 1 / Section 207
28-B §207. Application fees; license fees
Status: in_force

The office, in accordance with the provisions of this section, shall adopt by rule a licensing fee schedule establishing fees that are designed to meet, but not to exceed, the estimated licensing, enforcement and administrative costs of the office under this chapter. [PL 2023, c. 679, Pt. B, §39 (AMD).]

1. Fees for cultivation facilities. For a cultivation facility license, the office shall require payment of an application fee and a license fee as follows: A. For a tier 1 cultivation facility license, as described in section 301, subsection 1 , an application fee of $100 and a license fee as follows: (1) If the applicant has applied for a plant-count-based tier 1 cultivation facility license as described in section 301, subsection 1, paragraph A , a license fee of not more than $9 per mature cannabis plant for an outdoor cultivation facility and not more than $17 per mature cannabis plant for an indoor cultivation facility or a cultivation facility with both indoor and outdoor cultivation areas; or (2) If the applicant has applied for a plant-canopy-based tier 1 cultivation facility license as described in section 301, subsection 1, paragraph B , a license fee of not more than $250 for an outdoor cultivation facility and not more than $500 for an indoor cultivation facility or a cultivation facility with both indoor and outdoor cultivation areas; [PL 2017, c. 409, Pt. A, §6 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 669, §5 (REV).] B. For a tier 2 cultivation facility license, as described in section 301, subsection 2 , an application fee of $500 and a license fee of not more than $1,500 for an outdoor cultivation facility and not more than $3,000 for an indoor cultivation facility or a cultivation facility with both indoor and outdoor cultivation areas; [PL 2017, c. 409, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).] C. For a tier 3 cultivation facility license, as described in section 301, subsection 3 , an application fee of $500 and a license fee of not more than $5,000 for an outdoor cultivation facility and not more than $10,000 for an indoor cultivation facility or a cultivation facility with both indoor and outdoor cultivation areas; [PL 2017, c. 409, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).] D. For a tier 4 cultivation facility license, as described in section 301, subsection 4 , an application fee of $500 and a license fee of not more than $15,000 for an outdoor cultivation facility and not more than $30,000 for an indoor cultivation facility or a cultivation facility with both indoor and outdoor cultivation areas, except that, for a tier 4 cultivation facility license for which an increased amount of licensed plant canopy has been approved by the office pursuant to section 301 , for each approved increase in the amount of licensed plant canopy, the office may increase the maximum license fee by not more than $5,000 for an outdoor cultivation facility and by not more than $10,000 for an indoor cultivation facility or a cultivation facility with both indoor and outdoor cultivation areas; and [PL 2023, c. 679, Pt. B, §39 (AMD).] E. For a nursery cultivation facility license, as described in section 301, subsection 5 , an application fee of $60 and a license fee of $350. [PL 2017, c. 409, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).] [PL 2023, c. 679, Pt. B, §39 (AMD).]

2. Fees for products manufacturing facilities and cannabis stores. For a products manufacturing facility license or a cannabis store license, the office shall require payment of an application fee of $250 and a license fee of not more than $2,500. [PL 2023, c. 679, Pt. B, §39 (AMD).]

3. Fees for testing facilities. For a testing facility license, the office shall require payment of an application fee of $250 and a license fee of not more than $1,000. [PL 2023, c. 679, Pt. B, §39 (AMD).]

3-A. Fees for sample collectors. For a sample collector license, the office shall require payment of an application fee of $100 and a license fee of not more than $250. [PL 2023, c. 679, Pt. B, §39 (AMD).]

4. Payment of fees; fees to be deposited into Adult Use Cannabis Regulatory Coordination Fund. An applicant shall pay the application fee required by the office at the time that the applicant submits an application for licensure to the office for processing. An applicant shall pay the license fee required by the office in accordance with section 205, subsection 4 . All fees collected by the office pursuant to this section must be deposited into the Adult Use Cannabis Regulatory Coordination Fund established in section 1102 . [PL 2023, c. 679, Pt. B, §39 (AMD).]

5. Return of fees prohibited. The office may not return to an applicant or licensee or reimburse an applicant or licensee for any portion of an application or license fee paid by the applicant or licensee, regardless of whether the applicant withdraws its application prior to a final decision of the office on the application, the licensee voluntarily terminates its license pursuant to section 212 or the office suspends or revokes the licensee's license in accordance with the provisions of subchapter 8 . [PL 2023, c. 679, Pt. B, §39 (AMD).]
28-A M.R.S. § 453 — ME Code / Title 28-A / Part 2 / Chapter 19 / Section 453
28-A §453. Location of agency stores
Status: in_force

1. Location requirements. The bureau may license an agency liquor store only when the following requirements are met. A. The proposed agency liquor store is located in a municipality that has voted in favor of local option provisions that authorize the sale of spirits, wine and malt liquor for off-premises consumption or the proposed agency liquor store is located in an unincorporated place where the county commissioners have authorized the sale of spirits, wine and malt liquor for off-premises consumption. [PL 2021, c. 658, §68 (AMD).] B. [PL 1993, c. 380, §1 (RP); PL 1993, c. 380, §7 (AFF).] C. [PL 2001, c. 711, §2 (RP).] D. [PL 2001, c. 711, §2 (RP).] [PL 2021, c. 658, §68 (AMD).]

1-A. Limitation on number of agency liquor stores. The bureau may license up to: A. Twelve agency liquor stores in a municipality with a population over 60,000; [PL 2021, c. 172, §1 (AMD).] B. Eleven agency liquor stores in a municipality with a population over 45,000 but less than 60,001; [PL 2021, c. 172, §1 (AMD).] C. Ten agency liquor stores in a municipality with a population over 30,000 but less than 45,001; [PL 2021, c. 172, §1 (AMD).] D. Nine agency liquor stores in a municipality with a population over 20,000 but less than 30,001; [PL 2021, c. 172, §1 (AMD).] E. Seven agency liquor stores in a municipality with a population over 10,000 but less than 20,001; [PL 2023, c. 550, §1 (AMD).] F. [PL 2023, c. 550, §2 (RP).] G. Four agency liquor stores in a municipality with a population of at least 5,001 but less than 10,001; [PL 2019, c. 74, §1 (NEW).] H. Three agency liquor stores in a municipality with a population of at least 2,000 but less than 5,001; and [PL 2019, c. 74, §1 (NEW).] I. One agency liquor store in a municipality with a population less than 2,000. [PL 2019, c. 74, §1 (NEW).] The bureau may issue one additional agency liquor store license beyond those otherwise authorized by this subsection in any municipality. The bureau may consider any information provided by the municipality requesting an additional agency liquor store license. This subsection may not be construed to reduce the number of agency liquor stores the bureau may license in a municipality as of June 30, 2009. [PL 2023, c. 550, §§1-3 (AMD).]

2. Replacement of state or agency liquor stores. [PL 2001, c. 711, §2 (RP).]

2-A. Limitation on number of agency liquor stores. [PL 2019, c. 74, §2 (RP).]

2-B. Requirement of at least one replacement agency liquor store before closing. [PL 2013, c. 368, Pt. V, §31 (RP).]

2-C. Licenses. The bureau shall consider whether the applicant can satisfy the following criteria when determining whether to issue an agency liquor store license under this section: A. If the applicant has previously held a license to sell malt liquor and wine for off-premises consumption, the applicant was not found by the District Court to have committed a violation of any provision of this Title or rule of the bureau within the last year; [PL 2019, c. 404, §5 (AMD).] B. If the applicant is applying for an agency liquor store license in a municipality with a population of 1,000 or more, the applicant will be able to stock at least $10,000 worth of spirits purchased from the State or the State's wholesale distributor upon issuance of an agency liquor store license. If the applicant is applying for an agency liquor store license in a municipality with a population of 999 or less, the applicant will be able to stock at least $5,000 worth of spirits purchased from the State or the State's wholesale distributor upon issuance of an agency liquor store license; [PL 2017, c. 167, §4 (AMD).] C. The applicant can purchase the initial stock of spirits using a bank check or other financial instrument that certifies that funds are available; and [PL 2017, c. 167, §4 (AMD).] D. The applicant demonstrates that the applicant is likely to be a responsible licensee. [PL 2017, c. 167, §4 (NEW).] [PL 2019, c. 404, §5 (AMD).]

2-D. Exception. [PL 2017, c. 167, §5 (RP).]

3. Measurement of distances. [PL 1993, c. 380, §5 (RP); PL 1993, c. 380, §7 (AFF).]

4. Procedure for selection of agency liquor store location. [PL 1991, c. 622, Pt. K, §4 (RP).]

5. Aggrieved applicants. [PL 1991, c. 622, Pt. K, §5 (RP).]
28-A M.R.S. § 1552 — ME Code / Title 28-A / Part 3 / Chapter 61 / Section 1552
28-A §1552. Bottle club fees
Status: in_force

1. Bottle club registration. The fee for bottle club registration is (one year)......... $50. [PL 1987, c. 342, §114 (NEW).]
28-A M.R.S. § 1403-A — ME Code / Title 28-A / Part 3 / Chapter 55 / Section 1403-A
28-A §1403-A. Direct shipment of wine
Status: in_force

1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Direct shipper" means a winery that has obtained a wine direct shipper license under subsection 2 . [PL 2009, c. 373, §1 (NEW).] B. "Outside the State" means any state other than Maine and any territory or possession of the United States, but does not include a foreign country. [PL 2009, c. 373, §1 (NEW).] C. "Common carrier" means a company that transports goods upon reasonable request, on regular routes and at set rates. [PL 2023, c. 604, §1 (NEW).] D. "Fulfillment provider" means a bonded logistics agent of a direct shipper that provides fulfillment services, including warehousing, packaging, distributing and order processing for the shipment of wine to a consumer and arranges for transport of wine to a consumer by a common carrier and that has obtained a fulfillment provider registration under subsection 5‑A . [PL 2023, c. 604, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2023, c. 604, §§1, 2 (AMD).]

2. Direct shipment of wine. A small winery or other winery holding a federal basic wine manufacturing permit located within or outside the State may obtain a wine direct shipper license by filing with the bureau an application in a form determined by the bureau accompanied by an application fee of not more than $200, a copy of the applicant's current federal basic wine manufacturing permit and a list of wine labels to be shipped in accordance with this section. [PL 2013, c. 368, Pt. V, §46 (AMD).]

3. Direct shipper application. Before sending a shipment to a resident of this State, a direct shipper must file an application for a wine direct shipper license under subsection 2 with the bureau on a form issued by the bureau along with a true copy of its current winery license issued in this State or another state and a $100 registration fee. [PL 2021, c. 658, §242 (AMD).]

4. Direct shipment requirements. A direct shipper or a direct shipper's fulfillment provider may only ship wine that was produced by or for the direct shipper, owned by the direct shipper or sold under the winery name of the direct shipper in accordance with the direct shipper's federal basic wine manufacturing permit to a recipient who is at least 21 years of age and that is intended for personal use and not for resale. A direct shipper or a direct shipper's fulfillment provider may not ship wine products commonly known as "wine coolers." A direct shipper or a direct shipper's fulfillment provider shall label each package to be shipped in accordance with this section so that it conspicuously reads "CONTAINS ALCOHOL: SIGNATURE OF A PERSON 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER IS REQUIRED FOR DELIVERY." [PL 2023, c. 604, §3 (AMD).]

5. Common carrier. Shipments made in accordance with this chapter must be made by a common carrier and must be accompanied by a shipping label that clearly indicates the name of the direct shipper and the name and residence address of the recipient. The common carrier shall obtain the signature of a person 21 years of age or older at the address listed on the shipping label prior to delivery of the shipment. The common carrier shall request photographic identification from the person signing for the shipment and verify that the person is 21 years of age or older. [PL 2023, c. 604, §4 (AMD).]

5-A. Fulfillment provider registration. A direct shipper may use a fulfillment provider that is registered under this section. A. A fulfillment provider that is not a common carrier, does not hold a direct shipper, manufacturer, wholesale or retail license issued by the bureau and is not a certificate of approval holder and that is not owned or controlled by a common carrier, direct shipper, manufacturer, wholesale or retail licensee or certificate of approval holder may register with the bureau in a manner prescribed by the bureau. A registration must include the information required in paragraph B and a registration fee of not more than $50 per physical premises. A fulfillment provider registering pursuant to this subsection shall register with the bureau for each physical premises from which the fulfillment provider will ship wine under this section. A fulfillment provider may only ship wine to a recipient in the State if the fulfillment provider maintains a current registration, as applicable, under this subsection and only if the wine shipped is provided by a direct shipper licensed under this section. [PL 2023, c. 604, §5 (NEW).] B. A fulfillment provider registration must include the following: (1) The address of each physical premises from which the fulfillment provider will ship wine to recipients in the State; (2) The name, address and license number of each direct shipper on whose behalf the fulfillment provider will ship wine to recipients in the State; and (3) Any other information as determined by the bureau. [PL 2023, c. 604, §5 (NEW).] C. A fulfillment provider registration must be renewed every 2 years. If there is a material change in the information provided to the bureau related to the initial registration or renewal, the fulfillment provider shall provide updated information to the bureau not later than 14 days after the change. [PL 2023, c. 604, §5 (NEW).] D. A fulfillment provider shall make all commercially reasonable efforts to verify the validity of each direct shipper license prior to making any shipments under this section. Continuous failure to verify the validity of licenses may result in the suspension of the fulfilment provider's registration and imposition of a fine. [PL 2023, c. 604, §5 (NEW).] [PL 2023, c. 604, §5 (NEW).]

6. Bottle size and case limit. [PL 2023, c. 274, §1 (RP).]

6-A. Shipment limit. A direct shipper may not ship a container of wine of less than 250 milliliters and may ship no more than 9,000 milliliters per shipment no more than 12 times to any one recipient address in a calendar year. [PL 2023, c. 274, §2 (NEW).]

7. Prohibited shipping areas. A direct shipper may not ship to any address in an area identified by the bureau as a prohibited shipping area or a local option area. [PL 2009, c. 373, §1 (NEW).]

8. License renewal. A direct shipper may annually renew its wine direct shipper license with the bureau by paying a $50 renewal fee and providing the bureau with a true copy of its current winery license issued in this State or another state. [PL 2021, c. 658, §243 (AMD).]

9. Sales tax registration and payment required. As a condition of receiving a license, a shipper located outside the State shall comply with the provisions of Title 36, Part 3 , including all requirements relating to registration as a seller and the collection, reporting and remittance of the sales and use taxes of the State, and shall agree to be subject to the jurisdiction of the State for purposes of the enforcement of those obligations. The requirements of this subsection apply notwithstanding any provision of law of the State to the contrary. [PL 2021, c. 658, §244 (AMD).]

10. Payment of excise taxes. A direct shipper located outside the State shall annually pay to the bureau all excise taxes due on sales to residents of the State in the preceding year, the amount of such taxes to be calculated as if the sales were in the State. [PL 2013, c. 368, Pt. XXXX, §5 (AMD); PL 2013, c. 368, Pt. XXXX, §13 (AFF).]

11. Reporting. Reports to the bureau regarding direct shipments of wine are governed by this subsection. A. A direct shipper shall submit a report to the bureau quarterly in a manner and form prescribed by the bureau that includes the following: (1) The total number of cases of wine shipped to recipients in the State and, for a direct shipper located in the State, shipments made outside the State; (2) The name and residence address of shipment recipients in the State; (3) The name and registration of the designated fulfillment providers, if applicable; (4) The common carrier used to deliver each shipment; and (5) The date, quantity and purchase price of each shipment. [PL 2023, c. 604, §6 (NEW).] B. A fulfillment provider shall submit a report to the bureau quarterly in a manner and form prescribed by the bureau that includes the following: (1) The name as it appears on the direct shipper license, physical address and license number of the direct shipper on whose behalf the fulfillment provider shipped wine under this section; (2) The date of each shipment; (3) The name and business address of the common carrier that transported the shipment and the unique tracking number for each shipment; (4) The weight of each package shipped; and (5) The name and residence address of each recipient. [PL 2023, c. 604, §6 (NEW).] C. A common carrier shall submit a report to the bureau quarterly in a manner and form prescribed by the bureau that includes the following: (1) The name of the common carrier; (2) The name and address of the direct shipper and, if applicable, the fulfillment provider that used the common carrier for a shipment of wine; (3) The name and address of each recipient; (4) The weight of each package delivered to each recipient; (5) The unique tracking number for each shipment; and (6) The date of each delivery. A failure by a common carrier to comply with the reporting requirements of this paragraph that continues for more than 30 days after receiving from the bureau a notice of that failure may result in the suspension of the common carrier's license to operate in the State or the imposition of any other penalty the relevant licensing authority in the State is authorized to impose. [PL 2023, c. 604, §6 (NEW).] D. If no wine was shipped to a recipient in this State and, for a direct shipper located in the State, no wine was shipped to a recipient outside the State during the reporting period, a report containing that information must be submitted to the bureau. [PL 2023, c. 604, §6 (NEW).] [PL 2023, c. 604, §6 (RPR).]

12. Audit and records retention. The bureau may perform an audit of a direct shipper's, fulfillment provider's or common carrier's records relevant to compliance with this section. A direct shipper, fulfillment provider or common carrier shall provide copies of any records requested by the bureau within 20 business days of that request. A. A direct shipper shall maintain the books, records and documents supporting a report submitted under subsection 11, paragraph A or D for 2 years after the reporting date, unless otherwise directed by the bureau. [PL 2023, c. 604, §7 (NEW).] B. A fulfillment provider shall maintain the books, records and documents supporting a report submitted under subsection 11, paragraph B or D for 2 years after the reporting date, unless otherwise directed by the bureau. [PL 2023, c. 604, §7 (NEW).] C. A common carrier shall maintain the books, records and documents supporting a report submitted under subsection 11, paragraph C or D , including an electronic or paper copy of each recipient's signature, for 2 years after the reporting date, unless otherwise directed by the bureau. [PL 2023, c. 604, §7 (NEW).] [PL 2023, c. 604, §7 (AMD).]

13. Violation. A person, including a common carrier or fulfillment provider, who knowingly causes a direct shipment in violation of this section is subject to a fine up to $500 for a first offense and up to $1,000 for any subsequent violation of this section. A direct shipper, fulfillment provider or common carrier who knowingly delivers wine to a person under 21 years of age is subject to a fine up to $5,000. The bureau may suspend or revoke a wine direct shipper license for failure to comply with the shipping limits and reporting requirements required by this section. The bureau may accept payment of an offer in compromise in lieu of suspension; such payments must be determined by rules adopted by the bureau. [PL 2023, c. 604, §8 (AMD).]

14. Jurisdiction. A direct shipper, as a condition of licensure, is subject to the jurisdiction and enforcement authority of the State for the purposes of enforcement of this section. [PL 2009, c. 373, §1 (NEW).]

15. Not subject to beverage container law. [PL 2023, c. 252, §1 (RP); PL 2023, c. 252, §3 (AFF).]

15-A. Compliance with beverage container laws. Wine shipped pursuant to this section must comply with Title 38, chapter 33 . [PL 2023, c. 252, §2 (NEW); PL 2023, c. 252, §3 (AFF).]

16. Rules. The bureau shall adopt rules to carry out the purposes of this section. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2009, c. 373, §1 (NEW).]
28-A M.R.S. § 83-C — ME Code / Title 28-A / Part 1 / Chapter 3-A / Section 83-C
28-A §83-C. Administration of the spirits business by the bureau; rules
Status: in_force

The bureau shall establish policies and rules and propose legislation concerning the administration of the spirits business laws under this Title. The bureau shall: [PL 2013, c. 476, Pt. A, §9 (NEW).]

1. Administration and trade marketing supervision. Manage the administration and trade marketing of spirits through agency liquor stores and consistent with one or more contracts awarded under section 90 ; [PL 2013, c. 476, Pt. A, §9 (NEW).]

2. Price regulation. Make recommendations to the commission regarding the retail prices of spirits sold in the State and establish the wholesale prices of spirits sold in this State. The bureau shall adopt rules regarding the wholesale pricing of spirits sold to agency liquor stores. The wholesale spirits provider is granted the privilege to distribute spirits under this Title and is immune from antitrust action so long as the wholesale spirits provider is in compliance with the bureau's rules and all other applicable laws and regulations; [PL 2021, c. 658, §54 (AMD).]

2-A. Special pricing situations. Notwithstanding section 1651 , the bureau may, by rule, set retail prices on spirits at different levels than those established by the commission in the following circumstances. A. The bureau may establish special retail prices on certain listed spirits items to be made available to the consumer at all agency liquor stores. [PL 2019, c. 404, §3 (NEW).] B. The bureau may reduce the retail price of a listed spirits item that is unlikely to be sold for the retail price set by the commission. [PL 2019, c. 404, §3 (NEW).] C. The bureau may reduce, at the expense of the spirits supplier, the retail price of those test‑market spirits items that fail to meet set minimum gross profit standards after a 3‑month period; [PL 2021, c. 658, §55 (AMD).] [PL 2021, c. 658, §55 (AMD).]

2-B. Recommendations; review. Beginning October 1, 2024, and every 2 years thereafter, review the retail prices of spirits sold in the State established by the commission under , section 81, subsection 5 . The review must include comments provided to the bureau from a public hearing held by the bureau on the retail prices of spirits sold in the State. The bureau shall submit a report of the review conducted under this subsection to the commission and to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over alcoholic beverages matters. The report may include recommendations regarding the establishment of the retail prices of spirits sold in the State pursuant to subsection 2 . [PL 2023, c. 632, §1 (NEW).]

3. Purchase. Oversee the wholesale purchase and storage of spirits for sale in the State. Spirits delivered to the wholesale spirits provider and stored at a warehouse designated by the commission under section 81 are the property of the spirits supplier. Spirits become the property of the bureau upon removal from the warehouse for shipment to an agency liquor store. Spirits delivered to an agency liquor store become the property of the licensee upon receipt of delivery. The wholesale spirits provider at no time takes legal title to any spirits delivered to the warehouse. The bureau may buy and have in its possession spirits for sale to the public. The bureau shall buy spirits directly and not through the Chief Procurement Officer. All spirits must be free from adulteration and misbranding; [PL 2023, c. 516, Pt. B, §44 (AMD).]

4. Investigate and recommend changes. Carry out a continuous study and investigation of the sale of spirits throughout the State and the operation and administration of state activities regarding the sale of spirits and recommend to the commissioner any changes in the laws or rules and methods of operation that are in the best interest of the State; [PL 2013, c. 476, Pt. A, §9 (NEW).]

5. Sales incentives to agents; rules. [PL 2021, c. 592, Pt. B, §1 (RP).]

6. Rules. Adopt rules consistent with this Title or other laws of the State for the administration of all laws concerning the sale of spirits. The rules must include a process for developing recommendations to be submitted to the commission regarding the establishment of the retail prices of spirits sold in the State under subsection 2 , including, but not limited to, rules regarding the data and other criteria used in developing the recommendations. The rules must establish a process for the bureau to receive public input regarding the proposed recommendations to the commission. In adopting the rules, the bureau shall hold a public hearing. Rules adopted under this subsection are routine technical rules pursuant to Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A ; [PL 2023, c. 632, §2 (AMD).]

7. Certification. Certify monthly to the commission and the commissioner a complete statement of revenues from and expenses for the sale of spirits by the bureau; [PL 2019, c. 13, §6 (AMD).]

8. Establish performance standards for contracts. Establish performance standards for any contract awarded under this Title, subject to applicable laws relating to public contracts; and [PL 2013, c. 476, Pt. A, §9 (NEW).]

9. Report on expenditures. Report annually on expenditures and investments made by the bureau, including, but not limited to, reductions in the retail price at which spirits are sold and incentives offered to agency liquor stores, to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over appropriations and financial affairs and the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over alcoholic beverages matters. The report must include the impact of those spending initiatives on the number of cases of spirits sold in the State and on sales of spirits generally. [PL 2021, c. 658, §57 (AMD).]
28-A M.R.S. § 503 — ME Code / Title 28-A / Part 2 / Chapter 21 / Section 503
28-A §503. Delivery of spirits by wholesale spirits provider
Status: in_force

1. Authorized delivery to agency liquor stores. The wholesale spirits provider may deliver to an agency liquor store spirits that the agency liquor store purchased from the bureau. [PL 2021, c. 658, §83 (NEW).]

2. Delivery to on-premises retail licensees prohibited. The wholesale spirits provider may not deliver spirits to establishments licensed by the State to sell spirits for on-premises consumption. [PL 2021, c. 658, §83 (NEW).]
28-A M.R.S. § 2507 — ME Code / Title 28-A / Part 8 / Chapter 100 / Section 2507
28-A §2507. Reckless service of liquor; liability
Status: in_force

1. Reckless service to a minor. A server who recklessly provides liquor to a minor is liable for damages proximately caused by that minor's consumption of the liquor. [PL 1987, c. 45, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).]

2. Reckless service to a visibly intoxicated individual. A server who recklessly serves liquor to a visibly intoxicated individual is liable for damages proximately caused by that individual's consumption of the liquor. [PL 1987, c. 45, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).]

3. Reckless conduct. Service of liquor is reckless if a server intentionally serves liquor to an individual when the server knows that the individual being served is a minor or is visibly intoxicated and the server consciously disregards an obvious and substantial risk that serving liquor to that individual will cause physical harm to the drinker or to others. For purposes of this Act, the disregard of the risk, when viewed in light of the nature and purpose of the server's conduct and the circumstances known to the server, must involve a gross deviation from the standard of conduct that a reasonable and prudent person would observe in the same situation. [PL 1997, c. 373, §164 (AMD).]

4. Evidence of reckless conduct. Specific serving practices that are admissible as evidence of reckless conduct include, but are not limited to, the following: A. Active encouragement of intoxicated individuals to consume substantial amounts of liquor; [PL 1987, c. 45, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).] B. Service of liquor to an individual who is under 18 years of age when the server has actual or constructive knowledge of the individual's age; and [PL 1987, c. 45, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).] C. Service of liquor to an individual that is so continuous and excessive that it creates a substantial risk of death by alcohol poisoning. [PL 1987, c. 45, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).] [PL 1987, c. 45, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).]
28-A M.R.S. § 1651 — ME Code / Title 28-A / Part 4 / Chapter 65 / Section 1651
28-A §1651. Consumers' tax
Status: in_force

1. State spirits tax. Except as provided in section 83‑C, subsection 2‑A and section 606 , the commission shall determine and set the retail price at which all spirits products may be sold in the State for off-premises consumption. The retail price established by the commission must produce sufficient revenue to pay all spirits‑related expenses of the bureau and to return to the Liquor Operation Revenue Fund established in Title 30‑A, section 6054 and the General Fund an amount substantially equal to the amount of state spirits tax collected in the previous fiscal year. A. [PL 1993, c. 615, §5 (RP).] B. [PL 1993, c. 615, §5 (RP).] C. The bureau shall charge agency liquor stores the refund value pursuant to Title 38, section 3103 in addition to the wholesale price for each product purchased. [PL 2019, c. 404, §29 (AMD).] [PL 2021, c. 8, §3 (AMD).]

2. Special pricing situations. [PL 2019, c. 404, §30 (RP).]

3. Applicability of tax. Taxes on spirits imposed by the State do not apply to sales of spirits by manufacturers, bottlers and rectifiers holding licenses issued by the bureau: A. To any instrumentality of the United States; [PL 1987, c. 45, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).] B. To any vessel of foreign registry; [PL 1987, c. 45, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).] C. To industrial establishments for use as an ingredient in the manufacture of food products; [PL 2021, c. 8, §4 (AMD).] D. For use as an ingredient in the manufacture of commodities which by reason of their nature cannot be used for beverage purposes; or [PL 2021, c. 8, §5 (AMD).] E. To a person located outside of the State, including but not limited to sales of spirits to an out-of-state distributor for resale in another state and sales of spirits directly to a consumer located in another state under section 1357 . [PL 2021, c. 8, §6 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 8, §§4-6 (AMD).]

4. Net revenue deposited to General Fund. All net revenues derived from the tax under this section must be credited to the General Fund. [PL 2005, c. 539, §10 (AMD).]
28-A M.R.S. § 608 — ME Code / Title 28-A / Part 3 / Chapter 25 / Section 608
28-A §608. Licensees with professional sporting events; revenues from the sale of liquor
Status: in_force

A licensee authorized to sell liquor for on-premises consumption may enter into an agreement to share revenues from the sale of liquor with a professional sports team not licensed under this Title if: [PL 2013, c. 446, §2 (NEW).]

1. Capacity. The licensee has a capacity to seat at least 3,000 people; [PL 2013, c. 446, §2 (NEW).]

2. Licensee is designated host facility. The licensee is the designated host facility for the professional sports team. For the purposes of this subsection, "designated host facility" means a facility licensed to sell liquor for on-premises consumption, including, but not limited to, a civic auditorium or an outdoor stadium where a professional sports team conducts at least 75% of its sporting events as the home team in the competition; [PL 2013, c. 446, §2 (NEW).]

3. Revenues from sales at sporting events only. Revenues to be shared as provided by this section between the licensee and the professional sports team are limited to revenues from the sale of liquor sold at the time of sporting events conducted by that professional sports team; and [PL 2013, c. 446, §2 (NEW).]

4. Application. The licensee discloses any agreement, including any revenue-sharing provisions pursuant to subsection 3 , with a professional sports team permitted under this section when submitting an application for a liquor license as required by section 651, subsection 2 . [PL 2013, c. 446, §2 (NEW).]
28-A M.R.S. § 2073-D — ME Code / Title 28-A / Part 6 / Chapter 83 / Section 2073-D
28-A §2073-D. In-state transportation of malt liquor, wine or low-alcohol spirits products
Status: in_force

1. Prohibition. Except as provided in subsection 2 and section 2073‑E , a person may not transport within the State more than 400 fluid ounces of malt liquor, more than 4 liters of wine and more than 4 liters of low-alcohol spirits products unless the malt liquor, wine or low-alcohol spirits products were legally purchased from: A. An off-premises retail licensee; [PL 2021, c. 658, §270 (NEW).] B. An in-state manufacturer authorized under section 1355‑A to sell malt liquor, wine or low-alcohol spirits products for off-premises consumption; or [PL 2021, c. 658, §270 (NEW).] C. A direct shipper licensed under section 1403‑A . [PL 2021, c. 658, §270 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 658, §270 (NEW).]

2. Exceptions. Notwithstanding subsection 1 , a person may transport malt liquor, wine or low-alcohol spirits products within the State in the following circumstances. A. An individual may transport within the State malt liquor, wine or low-alcohol spirits products in accordance with a permit issued under section 2073‑C, subsection 2, paragraph B . [PL 2021, c. 658, §270 (NEW).] B. A person may transport malt liquor or wine the person transported into the State pursuant to section 2073‑C, subsection 2, paragraph C . [PL 2021, c. 658, §270 (NEW).] C. A licensed in-state manufacturer of malt liquor, wine or low-alcohol spirits products may transport malt liquor, wine or low-alcohol spirits products produced by the manufacturer or may cause a common carrier or contract carrier authorized by the Department of Public Safety to transport malt liquor, wine or low-alcohol spirits products produced by the manufacturer to: (1) A bottler or rectifier licensed under section 1355‑A ; (2) A wholesale licensee; (3) Any location to which the licensed in-state manufacturer is authorized to transport its own products under section 1355‑A ; (4) A warehouse operated by the licensed in-state manufacturer; or (5) The state line for transportation outside the State. [PL 2021, c. 658, §270 (NEW).] D. A wholesale licensee may transport malt liquor, wine or low-alcohol spirits products to an on-premises or off-premises retailer of malt liquor or wine in accordance with sections 713 and 1401 . [PL 2021, c. 658, §270 (NEW).] Each shipment of malt liquor, wine or low-alcohol spirits products transported within the State in accordance with paragraph B , C or D must be accompanied by an invoice that includes the purchase number and the names of the sender and intended recipient of the malt liquor, wine or low-alcohol spirits products. [PL 2021, c. 658, §270 (NEW).]

3. Penalties. The following penalties apply to violations of this section. A. A person that transports within the State less than 1,300 fluid ounces of malt liquor, less than 40 liters of wine or less than 40 liters of low-alcohol spirits products in violation of this section commits a civil violation for which a fine of not more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2021, c. 658, §270 (NEW).] B. A person that transports within the State 1,300 or more fluid ounces of malt liquor, 40 or more liters of wine or 40 or more liters of low-alcohol spirits products in violation of this section commits a Class E crime, which is a strict liability crime as defined in Title 17‑A, section 34, subsection 4‑A . [PL 2021, c. 658, §270 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 658, §270 (NEW).]

4. Evidence. The possession of more than 800 fluid ounces of malt liquor, more than 8 liters of wine or more than 8 liters of low-alcohol spirits products in one or more containers that are not labeled in accordance with Title 38, section 3105 is prima facie evidence of a violation of this section. [PL 2021, c. 658, §270 (NEW).]

5. Forfeiture. Notwithstanding section 2221‑A , a court shall order malt liquor, wine or low-alcohol spirits products transported within the State in violation of this section to be forfeited to the State and disposed of as provided in section 2229 : A. If a person fails to appear in court either in person or by counsel on the date and time specified in response to a Uniform Summons and Complaint issued for a violation of this section; or [PL 2021, c. 658, §270 (NEW).] B. As part of every adjudication and imposition of a fine under subsection 3, paragraph A and every conviction under subsection 3, paragraph B . [PL 2021, c. 658, §270 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 658, §270 (NEW).]
28-B M.R.S. § 210 — ME Code / Title 28-B / Chapter 1 / Section 210
28-B §210. Transfer of ownership interests
Status: in_force

1. Transfer application. A licensee may apply to the office, on forms prepared and furnished by the office, for approval to transfer ownership interests in the license, including, but not limited to, a transfer of only a portion of the ownership interests in the license. [PL 2023, c. 679, Pt. B, §42 (AMD).]

1-A. Prior notice and approval not required. If a transfer of ownership interest in a license does not result in a new person obtaining, or an existing person increasing an ownership interest in the license equal to or greater than 5%, the licensee is not required to obtain prior approval for the transfer from the office and the licensee may report the transfer of ownership interest at the time the license is renewed. Nothing in this subsection may be construed to allow a licensee to add an owner or increase ownership interest in violation of this chapter. [PL 2023, c. 679, Pt. B, §42 (NEW).]

2. Compliance with licensure requirements; rules. A person seeking to assume an ownership interest in a license pursuant to this section must demonstrate to the office compliance with all applicable requirements for licensure under this chapter and the rules adopted under this chapter. The office shall by rule adopt requirements for the submission of a license transfer application and standards for the approval of a license transfer application, including, but not limited to, provisions relating to local authorization of a transfer of ownership interests in a license. [PL 2023, c. 679, Pt. B, §42 (AMD).]

3. Temporary appointee. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter to the contrary, in cases of death, disability, bankruptcy, judicial dissolution or other exceptional circumstances, unless a court appoints a temporary appointee, the office may approve a temporary appointee to take possession of, operate, manage, control or wind down a licensee's operations. Under such circumstances: A. A temporary appointee must be otherwise qualified under the provisions of this chapter to be a licensee; [PL 2023, c. 679, Pt. B, §42 (NEW).] B. A temporary appointee may not transfer adult use cannabis or adult use cannabis products unless authorized as a licensee under this chapter; and [PL 2023, c. 679, Pt. B, §42 (NEW).] C. The licensee shall submit a plan of temporary appointment, on forms made available by the office, as soon as practicable but no later than 60 days after a qualifying event. [PL 2023, c. 679, Pt. B, §42 (NEW).] For purposes of this subsection, "temporary appointee" means a court-appointed receiver, personal representative, executor, administrator, guardian, conservator, trustee or similarly situated person or person approved by the office pursuant to this section. [PL 2023, c. 679, Pt. B, §42 (NEW).]
28-B M.R.S. § 601 — ME Code / Title 28-B / Chapter 1 / Section 601
28-B §601. Testing program established
Status: in_force

The office shall establish a testing program for adult use cannabis and adult use cannabis products. Except as otherwise provided in this subchapter, the program must require a licensee, prior to selling or distributing adult use cannabis or an adult use cannabis product to a consumer, to submit the cannabis or cannabis product to a testing facility for testing to ensure that the cannabis or cannabis product does not exceed the maximum level of allowable contamination for any contaminant that is injurious to health and for which testing is required and to ensure correct labeling. The office shall adopt rules establishing a testing program pursuant to this section, rules identifying the types of contaminants that are injurious to health for which cannabis and cannabis products must be tested under this subchapter and rules regarding the maximum level of allowable contamination for each contaminant. Rules adopted pursuant to this subchapter are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2023, c. 679, Pt. B, §112 (AMD).]
28-A M.R.S. § 1351 — ME Code / Title 28-A / Part 3 / Chapter 51 / Section 1351
28-A §1351. Certificate of approval
Status: in_force

1. Certificate of approval required. All out-of-state manufacturers of malt liquor or wine, out-of-state wholesalers of malt liquor or wine and out-of-state spirits suppliers must obtain a certificate of approval from the bureau. [PL 2019, c. 615, §2 (AMD); PL 2019, c. 615, §7 (AFF).]

2. Definition. For purposes of this section, "out-of-state spirits supplier" means an out-of-state spirits manufacturer or a person that engages in the out-of-state purchase of spirits for resale to the bureau. [PL 2019, c. 615, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 615, §7 (AFF).]
28-A M.R.S. § 1408 — ME Code / Title 28-A / Part 3 / Chapter 55 / Section 1408
28-A §1408. Posting of prices
Status: in_force

1. Posting by certificate of approval holders and bottlers. Certificate of approval holders and all licensed bottlers must post with the bureau the F.O.B. shipping point prices for which they are selling malt liquor or wine to wholesale licensees. [PL 1987, c. 45, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).]

2. Posting by wholesale licensees. Wholesale licensees must post with the bureau the delivered prices for which they are selling malt liquor or wine to licensees and all other entities or instrumentalities. [PL 1987, c. 45, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).]

3. Posted prices must include deposits. All prices posted must include deposits required on returnable items, including kegs. [PL 1987, c. 45, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).]

4. Price changes. Except as provided in paragraph A , certificate of approval holders shall give written notice of price changes to the bureau and their respective wholesale licensees at least 30 days before the effective date. Wholesale licensees shall give written notice of their price changes to the bureau at least 15 days before the effective date. All price changes are effective on the first day of the month. A. The bureau may give written permission to certificate of approval holders or wholesale licensees to reduce the notice period for price changes in specific instances. [PL 2021, c. 658, §252 (AMD).] [PL 2021, c. 658, §252 (AMD).]
28-A M.R.S. § 1902 — ME Code / Title 28-A / Part 5 / Chapter 75 / Section 1902
28-A §1902. Penalties
Status: in_force

Any person who violates a provision of this chapter is guilty of a Class E crime. [PL 1987, c. 45, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).]
28-A M.R.S. § 1007 — ME Code / Title 28-A / Part 3 / Chapter 41 / Section 1007
28-A §1007. Class VI licenses
Status: in_force

1. Types of liquor which may be sold. A Class VI licensee may sell malt liquor to be consumed off the premises where sold. [PL 1987, c. 45, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).]

2. Fees. The fees for a Class VI license are as follows: A. Full-time (one year)...............$200. [PL 1993, c. 410, Pt. ZZ, §12 (AMD).] B. [PL 1993, c. 410, Pt. ZZ, §12 (RP).] C. [PL 1987, c. 342, §67 (RP).] D. [PL 1993, c. 410, Pt. ZZ, §12 (RP).] [PL 1993, c. 410, Pt. ZZ, §12 (AMD).]

3. Eligible premises. The following premises are eligible to obtain a Class VI license: A. Off-premises retailers with a qualifying stock of groceries, compatible merchandise or combination of both, as described in section 1201, subsections 6 and 7 . [PL 2021, c. 658, §150 (AMD).] [PL 2021, c. 658, §150 (AMD).]
28-A M.R.S. § 162 — ME Code / Title 28-A / Part 1 / Chapter 7 / Section 162
28-A §162. Local authority for operation of bottle clubs
Status: repealed

1. Question on bottle clubs. A municipality may hold an election on the following question. A. Bottle clubs are defined as persons operating, on a regular, profit or nonprofit basis, facilities for social activities in which members or guests provide their own liquor, where no liquor is sold on the bottle club premises, which maintain suitable facilities for the use of members on a regular basis or charge an admission fee to members or the general public and where members, guests or others are regularly permitted to consume liquor. Shall bottle clubs be operated in this municipality? [PL 1987, c. 342, §19 (NEW).] [PL 1987, c. 342, §19 (NEW).]

2. Procedure for election. The provisions of section 121 apply to elections under this section. [PL 1987, c. 342, §19 (NEW).]

3. Results of vote. If the results of an election held under this section show that: A. A majority of the votes cast in the municipality on the bottle club question is in the affirmative, bottle clubs may operate in that municipality; [PL 1987, c. 342, §19 (NEW).] B. A majority of the votes cast in the municipality on the bottle club question is in the negative, bottle clubs may not operate in that municipality; or [PL 1987, c. 342, §19 (NEW).] C. The vote is tied on any local option question, the law shall remain as it was before the voting. [PL 1987, c. 342, §19 (NEW).] [PL 1987, c. 342, §19 (NEW).]

4. Effective date. The vote is effective on the first day of the month following the certification of the vote to the Secretary of State. [PL 1987, c. 342, §19 (NEW).]

5. Repeal or reconsideration. When a municipality has voted to allow or not allow the operation of bottle clubs, the vote is effective until repealed by a new petition and vote as required by this section. No vote may be taken on the bottle club question more than once in any 2-year period. [PL 1987, c. 342, §19 (NEW).]

6. Unincorporated places. The county commissioners, after holding a public hearing, may or may not allow the operation of bottle clubs in the unincorporated place. [PL 1987, c. 342, §19 (NEW).]
28-B M.R.S. § 1501 — ME Code / Title 28-B / Chapter 3 / Section 1501
28-B §1501. Personal adult use of cannabis and cannabis products
Status: in_force

1. Authorized conduct. Except as otherwise authorized by this Title, a person 21 years of age or older may: A. Use, possess or transport cannabis paraphernalia; [PL 2017, c. 409, Pt. A, §6 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 669, §5 (REV).] B. Use, possess or transport at any one time up to 2 1/2 ounces of cannabis or 2 1/2 ounces of a combination of cannabis and cannabis concentrate that includes no more than 10 grams of cannabis concentrate; [PL 2023, c. 396, §20 (AMD).] C. Transfer or furnish, without remuneration, to a person 21 years of age or older up to 2 1/2 ounces of cannabis or 2 1/2 ounces of a combination of cannabis and cannabis concentrate that includes no more than 10 grams of cannabis concentrate; [PL 2023, c. 396, §21 (AMD).] D. Transfer or furnish, without remuneration, to a person 21 years of age or older up to 6 immature cannabis plants or seedlings; [PL 2017, c. 409, Pt. A, §6 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 669, §5 (REV).] E. Subject to the requirements and restrictions of section 1502 , possess, cultivate or transport at any one time up to 6 mature cannabis plants, 12 immature cannabis plants and an unlimited number of seedlings and possess all the cannabis produced by such plants at the person's place of residence or at the location where the cannabis was cultivated; [PL 2023, c. 220, §1 (AMD).] F. Subject to the limitations imposed under paragraph B , purchase up to 2 1/2 ounces of adult use cannabis or 2 1/2 ounces of a combination of adult use cannabis and cannabis concentrate that includes no more than 10 grams of cannabis concentrate from a cannabis store; and [PL 2023, c. 396, §22 (AMD).] G. Subject to the limitations imposed under paragraph E , purchase up to 12 immature cannabis plants or seedlings from a nursery cultivation facility as described in section 301, subsection 5 or from a cannabis store. [PL 2017, c. 409, Pt. A, §6 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 669, §5 (REV).] For the purposes of this subsection, "remuneration" includes a donation or any other monetary payment received directly or indirectly by a person in exchange for goods or services as part of a transaction in which cannabis, cannabis products or cannabis plants are transferred or furnished by that person to another person. [PL 2023, c. 220, §1 (AMD); PL 2023, c. 396, §§20-22 (AMD).]

2. Consumption of cannabis and cannabis products; violation. The provisions of this subsection apply to the consumption of cannabis or cannabis products by a person 21 years of age or older. A. A person 21 years of age or older may consume cannabis or cannabis products only if that person is: (1) In a private residence, including curtilage; or (2) On private property, not generally accessible by the public, and the person is explicitly permitted to consume cannabis or cannabis products on the property by the owner of the property. [PL 2017, c. 409, Pt. A, §6 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 669, §5 (REV).] B. A person 21 years of age or older may not consume cannabis or cannabis products: (1) If that person is the operator of a vehicle on a public way or a passenger in the vehicle. As used in this subparagraph, "vehicle" has the same meaning as in Title 29‑A, section 101, subsection 91 ; (2) In a private residence or on private property used as a day care or baby-sitting service during the hours in which the residence or property is being operated as a day care or baby-sitting service; (3) By means of smoking the cannabis or cannabis product in a designated smoking area as provided under the Workplace Smoking Act of 1985; or (4) By means of smoking the cannabis or cannabis product in a public place or in a public area where smoking is prohibited under Title 22, chapter 262 . [PL 2017, c. 409, Pt. A, §6 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 669, §5 (REV).] C. A person who violates this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine of not more than $100 may be adjudged in addition to any criminal or civil penalties that may be imposed pursuant to other applicable laws or rules. [PL 2017, c. 409, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).] [PL 2017, c. 409, Pt. A, §6 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 669, §5 (REV).]
28-A M.R.S. § 1551 — ME Code / Title 28-A / Part 3 / Chapter 61 / Section 1551
28-A §1551. Fees for nonretail licenses
Status: in_force

1. Certificate of approval. The license fees for certificates of approval are: A. For malt liquor (one year)............. $1,000; and [PL 2007, c. 539, Pt. QQQ, §2 (AMD).] B. For wine (one year).................... $1,000. [PL 2007, c. 539, Pt. QQQ, §2 (AMD).] [PL 2007, c. 539, Pt. QQQ, §2 (AMD).]

2. Wholesale licenses. The license fees for wholesale licenses are: A. For the sale of malt liquor (one year).....$600; [PL 1987, c. 342, §114 (NEW).] B. For the storage of malt liquor (one month)...............................................$50; [PL 1987, c. 342, §114 (NEW).] C. For the sale of wine (one year)........ $600; and [PL 1987, c. 342, §114 (NEW).] D. For the storage of wine (one month)..... $50. [PL 1987, c. 342, §114 (NEW).] [PL 1987, c. 342, §114 (NEW).]

3. In-state manufacturers. The license fees for in-state manufacturer licenses are: A. Distillery, includes bottling (one year)....................................$1,000; [PL 2021, c. 658, §261 (AMD).] B. Brewery, includes bottling (one year).....................................................$1,000; [PL 1987, c. 342, §114 (NEW).] C. Rectifier, includes bottling (one year)....................................................$1,000; [PL 1987, c. 342, §114 (NEW).] D. Bottler only (one year)............................................................$1,000; [PL 1987, c. 342, §114 (NEW).] E. Winery, includes bottling (one year)....................................................$1,000; [PL 1987, c. 342, §114 (NEW).] F. Small winery, includes bottling (one year)...........................................$50; [PL 2011, c. 629, §33 (AMD).] G. Small brewery, includes bottling (one year)......................................$50; and [PL 2011, c. 629, §34 (AMD).] H. Small distillery, includes bottling (one year)...............................$100. [PL 2021, c. 658, §262 (AMD).] [PL 2021, c. 658, §§261, 262 (AMD).]

4. Sales representatives. The fees for sales representatives are as follows: A. Sales representative of manufacturer or certificate of approval holder (one year)....................................................$50. [PL 1991, c. 376, §55 (AMD).] [PL 1991, c. 376, §55 (AMD).]

5. Other fees. The fees for the following are: A. Filing fee for license application.................................................$10. [PL 2019, c. 46, §5 (AMD).] B. [PL 2019, c. 46, §5 (RP).] [PL 2019, c. 46, §5 (AMD).]
28-A M.R.S. § 161 — ME Code / Title 28-A / Part 1 / Chapter 7 / Section 161
28-A §161. Bottle clubs
Status: in_force

1. Registration. Each bottle club, as defined in section 2, subsection 3 , shall register annually with the bureau on forms provided by the bureau. Registration consists of submission of the information required in paragraph A and payment of the registration fee established in paragraph B . A. The information each bottle club is required to submit consists of only the following: (1) The name and address of each owner of the bottle club; (2) The name and address of each operator of the bottle club; and (3) The regular hours of operation. [PL 1987, c. 45, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).] B. The annual fee for registration of a bottle club is $50. [PL 1987, c. 45, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).] C. [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. P, §1 (RP); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).] A bottle club that does not register with the bureau commits a Class E crime. Violation of this subsection is a strict liability crime as defined in Title 17‑A, section 34, subsection 4‑A . [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. P, §1 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).]

1-A. Eligibility qualifications. The bureau may not register a bottle club unless each owner or operator of the bottle club meets the eligibility qualifications under section 601, subsection 1 . [PL 1997, c. 373, §34 (AMD).]

1-B. Disqualification. The bureau may not register a bottle club if the bureau determines that: A. An owner or operator of the bottle club is disqualified from receiving a liquor license under section 601, subsection 2 ; or [PL 1993, c. 730, §23 (AMD).] B. [PL 1993, c. 730, §24 (RP).] C. The purpose of the application is to circumvent the eligibility or disqualification provisions of section 601 . [PL 1989, c. 816, §2 (NEW).] The bureau shall notify each owner or operator of the bottle club in writing of its decision to approve or deny registration of the bottle club under this subsection. The decision of the bureau to approve or deny registration of a bottle club is final agency action. [PL 1997, c. 373, §35 (AMD).]

1-C. Penalty for operation after denial. Notwithstanding subsection 1, paragraph C , a person who operates a bottle club after receipt of notice of denial of registration under subsection 1‑B commits a Class D crime. Violation of this subsection is a strict liability crime as defined in Title 17‑A, section 34, subsection 4‑A . [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. P, §1 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).]

2. Charges and fees. Charges paid by the bottle club's members or the general public for membership, admission, food, mixers or other supplies used with liquor or storage or handling of liquor belonging to members or the general public are not sales, as defined in this Title, or gifts. [PL 1987, c. 45, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).]

3. Minors on the premises. [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. P, §1 (RP); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).]

3-A. Minors on premises. A bottle club may not allow a minor not employed by the bottle club or not accompanied by the minor's parent, guardian or custodian, as defined in Title 22, section 4002 , to remain on the bottle club premises, except on occasions when liquor is prohibited on the bottle club premises. The following penalties apply to violations of this subsection. A. A bottle club that violates this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $300 may be adjudged. [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. P, §1 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).] B. A bottle club that violates this subsection after having previously violated this section commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $200 and not more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. P, §1 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).] C. A bottle club that violates this subsection after having previously violated this section 2 or more times commits a civil violation for which a fine of $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. P, §1 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. P, §1 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).]

3-B. Employment of minors. A bottle club may employ minors only if an employee of legal drinking age or older is present in a supervisory capacity. [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. P, §1 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).]

4. Consumption or possession on premises. A bottle club may not permit consumption or possession of imitation liquor on the bottle club premises by minors. A bottle club may not permit consumption of liquor on the bottle club premises by minors or visibly intoxicated persons. The following penalties apply to violations of this subsection. A. A bottle club that violates this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $300 may be adjudged. [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. P, §1 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).] B. A bottle club that violates this subsection after having previously violated this section commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $200 and not more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. P, §1 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).] C. A bottle club that violates this subsection after having previously violated this section 2 or more times commits a civil violation for which a fine of $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. P, §1 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. P, §1 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).]

5. Violation of state law. A bottle club may not knowingly allow any violation of any state law on the bottle club premises to occur or continue. The following penalties apply to violations of this subsection. A. A bottle club that violates this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $300 may be adjudged. [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. P, §1 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).] B. A bottle club that violates this subsection after having previously violated this section commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $200 and not more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. P, §1 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).] C. A bottle club that violates this subsection after having previously violated this section 2 or more times commits a civil violation for which a fine of $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. P, §1 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. P, §1 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).]

6. Jurisdiction. The District Court has jurisdiction over the civil violations, defined in this section, under Title 17‑A, section 9 . [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. P, §1 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).]

7. Right of access. A bottle club shall allow law enforcement officers to enter the bottle club premises at reasonable times for the purpose of investigating compliance with this Title. A. Entry into the bottle club premises under this subsection must be conducted in a reasonable manner so as not to disrupt the operation of the bottle club. [PL 2021, c. 658, §64 (AMD).] B. The investigation must be limited to those areas involved in the actual operation of the bottle club, including storage areas. [PL 2003, c. 510, Pt. E, §5 (RPR).] C. The following penalties apply to violations of this subsection. (1) A bottle club that violates this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $300 may be adjudged. (2) A bottle club that violates this subsection after having previously violated this section commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $200 and not more than $500 may be adjudged. (3) A bottle club that violates this subsection after having previously violated this section 2 or more times commits a civil violation for which a fine of $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2003, c. 510, Pt. E, §5 (RPR).] [PL 2021, c. 658, §64 (AMD).]
28-A M.R.S. § 1009 — ME Code / Title 28-A / Part 3 / Chapter 41 / Section 1009
28-A §1009. Class VII licenses
Status: in_force

1. Types of liquor which may be sold. A Class VII licensee may sell wine to be consumed off the premises where sold. [PL 1987, c. 45, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).]

2. Fees. The fees for a Class VII license are as follows: A. Full-time (one year)...............$200. [PL 1993, c. 410, §14 (AMD).] B. [PL 1993, c. 410, Pt. ZZ, §14 (RP).] C. [PL 1987, c. 342, §71 (RP).] D. [PL 1993, c. 410, Pt. ZZ, §14 (RP).] [PL 1993, c. 410, Pt. ZZ, §14 (AMD).]

3. Eligible premises. The following premises are eligible to obtain a Class VII license: A. Off-premises retailers with a qualifying stock of groceries, compatible merchandise or combination of both, as described in section 1201, subsections 6 and 7 . [PL 2021, c. 658, §151 (AMD).] B. [PL 1987, c. 342, §72 (RP).] [PL 2021, c. 658, §151 (AMD).]
28-B M.R.S. § 604-A — ME Code / Title 28-B / Chapter 1 / Section 604-A
28-B §604-A. Sample collecting for mandatory testing by licensee
Status: in_force

1. Sample collecting by licensee authorized; rules. Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, a cultivation facility licensee, products manufacturing facility licensee or cannabis store licensee, or an employee of such licensee, may collect samples of the licensee's adult use cannabis or adult use cannabis products for mandatory testing under section 602 and may deliver those samples to a testing facility for testing. The office shall adopt rules regarding the collection of representative samples of adult use cannabis and adult use cannabis products for mandatory testing by a licensee or an employee of a licensee as authorized under this section, which must include, but are not limited to: A. The establishment of sample collecting processes, protocols and standards, which must be complied with by the licensee and its employees in collecting samples of adult use cannabis and adult use cannabis products for testing purposes; [PL 2019, c. 676, §15 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 669, §5 (REV).] B. Requirements for the licensee to provide video, onsite or other demonstration of its sample collecting practices to ensure compliance with paragraph A ; [PL 2019, c. 676, §15 (NEW).] C. Provisions authorizing the office to conduct audits of adult use cannabis or adult use cannabis products that were tested using samples collected by the licensee or its employees pursuant to this section, with all costs of the audits to be paid for by the licensee. The licensee may not be required to submit more than 3 representative samples of adult use cannabis or adult use cannabis products per 60‑day period unless the cannabis or cannabis products continue to fail tests or pursuant to a complaint; [PL 2023, c. 679, Pt. B, §119 (AMD).] D. Requirements for the transportation, delivery and transfer of samples of adult use cannabis and adult use cannabis products collected by the licensee or an employee of the licensee to a testing facility, which must require the in-person transfer of the samples by the licensee or an employee of the licensee to the testing facility licensee or an employee of the testing facility licensee; [PL 2019, c. 676, §15 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 669, §5 (REV).] E. A prohibition on the intentional tampering with or interference in the mandatory testing process or auditing process by a licensee or an employee of the licensee, which, notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, may be treated by the office as constituting a major license violation affecting public safety and as a basis for imposition of administrative penalties pursuant to section 802‑A ; and [PL 2023, c. 679, Pt. B, §119 (AMD).] F. Authorization for the office to suspend or revoke the licensee's license following 2 or more failed sample collecting audits conducted by the office pursuant to this section. [PL 2023, c. 679, Pt. B, §119 (AMD).] Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2023, c. 679, Pt. B, §119 (AMD).]

2. Repeal. [PL 2021, c. 226, §6 (RP).]
28-A M.R.S. § 1504 — ME Code / Title 28-A / Part 3 / Chapter 59 / Section 1504
28-A §1504. Samples of spirits products
Status: in_force

A person licensed under section 1502 as a sales representative for a spirits supplier may give a retail licensee samples of spirits under the following conditions: [PL 2021, c. 658, §260 (AMD).]

1. Invoice required. The spirits must be accompanied by an invoice; [PL 2021, c. 658, §260 (AMD).]

2. Product registered. The spirits must be listed by the commission for sale in this State and clearly labeled as a sample; [PL 2021, c. 658, §260 (AMD).]

3. Taxes paid. [PL 2019, c. 404, §28 (RP).]

3-A. Partial-bottle spirits samples. [PL 2021, c. 658, §260 (RP).]

4. Sampling record; prohibited recipients. The sales representative who provides the sample shall maintain a log stating the names of the agency liquor store or on-premises retail licensee to whom a full-bottle sample is given under subsection 5 or the person to whom a partial-bottle sample of spirits is given under subsection 6 and the amount of that partial-bottle sample. The person to whom the sales representative gives spirits samples under this section may not be a minor or a visibly intoxicated person; [PL 2021, c. 658, §260 (AMD).]

5. Full-bottle samples. The maximum amount of unopened full-bottle samples of spirits given to a retail licensee by a sales representative may not exceed 6 liters per year per distillery represented by that sales representative. Individual samples may not exceed one liter. A full-bottle sample is an unopened bottle of spirits provided to an agency liquor store or an on-premises retail licensee licensed to sell spirits; [PL 2021, c. 658, §260 (AMD).]

6. Partial-bottle samples. Bottles of spirits designated for partial-bottle sampling must be properly sealed between samplings. Samples poured from a bottle of spirits designated for partial-bottle sampling may be provided only: A. On the premises of a retailer licensed to sell spirits for on-premises consumption to the owner of or a supervisory or managerial employee of the retailer; or [PL 2021, c. 658, §260 (NEW).] B. On the premises of an agency liquor store to the owner of or a supervisory or managerial employee of the agency liquor store; [PL 2021, c. 658, §260 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 658, §260 (AMD).]

7. Records maintained. Records of samples given or received under this section must be maintained for a 2-year period by the sales representative and the retail licensee that gave or received the samples; and [PL 2021, c. 658, §260 (AMD).]

8. Access to samples. A sales representative shall request samples from bailment inventory of a spirits supplier housed at the wholesale spirits provider's warehouse for the purposes described under this section. [PL 2021, c. 658, §260 (AMD).]
28-A M.R.S. § 124 — ME Code / Title 28-A / Part 1 / Chapter 5 / Section 124
28-A §124. Results of vote
Status: repealed

1. Determination vote. If the results of an election held under section 121 show that: A. A majority of the votes cast in any municipality on any local option question is in the affirmative, the bureau may issue licenses of the type authorized by the affirmative vote in that municipality; [PL 2001, c. 471, Pt. B, §14 (AMD).] B. A majority of the votes cast in any municipality on any local option question is in the negative, the bureau may not issue licenses of the type denied by the negative vote in that municipality; or [PL 2001, c. 471, Pt. B, §14 (AMD).] C. The vote is tied on any local option question, the law remains as it was before the voting. [PL 1997, c. 373, §31 (AMD).] [PL 2021, c. 658, §63 (AMD).]

2. Effective date. The vote is effective on the first day of the month following the certification of the vote to the Secretary of State. [PL 1987, c. 45, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).]

3. Existing licenses. The holder of any license issued and outstanding on the effective date of the local option vote that denies issuance of that type of license and specifically indicates that the existing privilege is to be voided shall immediately surrender it to the bureau. The bureau shall refund that portion of the unused fee paid. [PL 1997, c. 373, §32 (AMD).]

4. Repeal or reconsideration. When a municipality has voted to accept or reject any local option question, the vote is effective until repealed by a new petition and vote as required by section 121 or 122 . A negative vote on a question repeals existing privileges only if the petition clearly indicates an intent that it do so. No local option vote may be taken on the same question more than once in any one-year period. [PL 2001, c. 471, Pt. B, §15 (AMD).]
28-A M.R.S. § 710 — ME Code / Title 28-A / Part 3 / Chapter 29 / Section 710
28-A §710. Advertising signs
Status: in_force

1. Advertising outside of licensed premises. A person, except wholesale licensees and certificate of approval holders, may not advertise or permit to be advertised, by more than 5 signs, on the outside of any licensed premises, or on any building, ground or premises under that person's control and contiguous or adjacent to the licensed premises: A. The fact that the licensee has liquor or any brand of liquor for sale; [PL 1987, c. 45, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).] B. The price at which liquor is sold by the licensee; or [PL 1987, c. 45, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).] C. Any other advertisement that indicates any reference to liquor other than the name of the licensed premises, an image accompanying the name of the licensed premises or a brand name or image appearing on a patio umbrella in an outside seating area of the licensed premises. [PL 2019, c. 404, §15 (AMD).] [PL 2025, c. 230, Pt. D, §1 (AMD).]

2. Advertising inside of licensed premises. [PL 2025, c. 230, Pt. D, §2 (RP).]

3. Exception. Subsection 1 does not prohibit the display of signs advertising sponsorship of specific sporting events and cultural events or sponsorship of a transportation system for transporting the public as long as the signs are not displayed on a licensed establishment as defined in section 2, subsection 15 . Signs on a licensed establishment advertising sponsorship may be displayed with prior bureau approval. The bureau shall adopt rules implementing this subsection. [PL 1993, c. 730, §32 (NEW).]
28-A M.R.S. § 2221-A — ME Code / Title 28-A / Part 7 / Chapter 91 / Section 2221-A
28-A §2221-A. Forfeiture of liquor and property used in illegal manufacture, transportation and sale of liquor
Status: in_force

1. Property forfeited. The following property shall be subject to forfeiture to the State and all property rights in the property shall be in the State: A. All materials, products and equipment of any kind which are used, or intended for use, in manufacturing, transporting or selling liquor in violation of this Title; and [PL 1987, c. 342, §128 (NEW).] B. All conveyances, including aircraft, watercraft, vehicles and vessels, which are used, or are intended for use, to transport, conceal or otherwise to facilitate the manufacturing, transporting or selling of liquor in violation of this Title. [PL 1987, c. 342, §128 (NEW).] [PL 1987, c. 342, §128 (NEW).]

2. Jurisdiction. Property subject to forfeiture under subsection 1, paragraph A , shall be declared forfeited by any court having jurisdiction over the property or having final jurisdiction over any related criminal proceeding brought under this chapter. [PL 1987, c. 342, §128 (NEW).]

3. Exceptions. The court shall order forfeiture of all conveyances subject to forfeiture under subsection 1, paragraph B , except as follows. A. No conveyance used by any person as a for-hire carrier in the transaction of business as a for-hire carrier shall be forfeited unless it appears that the owner or other person in charge of the conveyance was a consenting party or privy to a violation of this Title. [PL 1987, c. 342, §128 (NEW).] B. No conveyance shall be forfeited by reason of any act or omission established by the owner of the conveyance to have been committed or omitted by any person other than the owner while the conveyance was illegally in the possession of a person other than the owner in violation of the criminal laws of the United States, the State or of any State. [PL 1987, c. 342, §128 (NEW).] C. No conveyance shall be subject to forfeiture unless the owner knew or should have known that the conveyance was used in and for the illegal manufacturing, transporting or selling of liquor in violation of this Title. [PL 1987, c. 342, §128 (NEW).] [PL 1987, c. 342, §128 (NEW).]

4. Forfeiture procedure. Forfeitures under this section must be accomplished by the following procedure. A. A district attorney or the Attorney General may petition the Superior Court in the name of the State in the nature of a proceeding in rem to order forfeiture of property subject to forfeiture under subsection 1, paragraph B . The petition must be filed in the court having jurisdiction over the property. [PL 1987, c. 342, §128 (NEW).] B. The proceeding shall be deemed a civil suit, in which the State shall have the burden of proving all material facts by a preponderance of the evidence. The owner of the property, or other person claiming under the owner, shall have the burden of proving all the exceptions set forth in subsection 3 by a preponderance of the evidence. [PL 1987, c. 342, §128 (NEW).] C. The court shall order the State to give notice by certified or registered mail or hand delivered by a deputy sheriff to the owner of the property and to any other person who appears to have an interest in the property. [PL 1987, c. 342, §128 (NEW).] D. The court shall hold a hearing on the petition. The hearing may be advanced on the docket and receive priority over other cases when the court determines that the interests of justice so require. At the hearing, the court shall hear evidence and make findings of fact and enter conclusions of law. [PL 2011, c. 559, Pt. A, §33 (AMD).] E. Based on the findings and conclusions, the court shall issue a final order, from which the parties have a right of appeal. The final order shall provide for disposition of the property by the State or any subdivision of the State in any manner not prohibited by law, including official use by an authorized law enforcement or other public agency, sale at public auction or by competitive bidding. (1) The proceeds of any sale shall be used to pay the reasonable expenses of the forfeiture proceedings, seizure, storage, maintenance of custody, advertising and notice and to pay any bona fide mortgage on the property. The balance, if any, shall be deposited in the State Treasury, or the treasury of the county or municipality making the seizure. [PL 1987, c. 342, §128 (NEW).] [PL 2011, c. 559, Pt. A, §33 (AMD).]

5. Records. Any officer, department or agency having custody of property subject to forfeiture under subsection 1 , or having disposed of the property, shall keep and maintain full and complete records concerning the property. A. The records must show: (1) From whom it received the property; (2) Under what authority it held, received or disposed of the property; (3) To whom it delivered the property; (4) The date and manner of destruction or disposition of the property; and (5) The exact kinds, quantities and forms of the property. [PL 1987, c. 342, §128 (NEW).] B. The records shall be open to inspection by all federal and state officers charged with enforcement of federal and state liquor laws. [PL 1987, c. 342, §128 (NEW).] C. Persons making final disposition or destruction of the property under court order shall report, under oath, to the court the exact circumstances of the destruction or disposition. [PL 1987, c. 342, §128 (NEW).] D. The bureau shall maintain a centralized record of property seized, held by an order to the bureau. If requested, the bureau shall provide a report of the disposition of property previously held by the bureau as required by this section to any governmental entity to the commissioner or to the Office of Fiscal and Program Review for review. These records must include an estimate of the fair market value of items seized. [PL 2013, c. 368, Pt. V, §53 (AMD).] [PL 2013, c. 588, Pt. A, §36 (AMD).]

6. Preliminary order. At the request of the State ex parte, the court may issue any preliminary order or process necessary to seize or secure the property for which forfeiture is sought and provide for its custody. A. Process for seizure of the property shall issue only upon a showing of probable cause. The application for process for seizure of the property and the issuance, execution and return of the process shall be subject to the provisions of applicable Maine law. [PL 1987, c. 342, §128 (NEW).] B. Any property subject to forfeiture under this section may be seized upon process, except that seizure without process may be made when: (1) The seizure is incident to: (a) An arrest with probable cause; (b) A search under a valid search warrant; or (c) An inspection under a valid administrative inspection warrant; (2) The property subject to seizure has been the subject of a prior judgment in favor of the State in a forfeiture proceeding under this section; (3) There is probable cause to believe that the property is directly or indirectly dangerous to health or safety; or (4) There is probable cause to believe the property has been used or is intended to be used in violation of this Title. [PL 1987, c. 342, §128 (NEW).] [PL 1987, c. 342, §128 (NEW).]
28-A M.R.S. § 2088 — ME Code / Title 28-A / Part 6 / Chapter 83 / Section 2088
28-A §2088. Vaporized alcohol
Status: in_force

1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Alcohol vaporizing device" means any device, machine or process that mixes an alcoholic product with pure oxygen or another gas to produce vaporized alcohol for the purpose of consumption through inhalation. [PL 2005, c. 259, §1 (NEW).] B. "Vaporized alcohol" means an alcoholic product created by mixing alcohol with pure oxygen or another gas to produce a vaporized product for the purpose of consumption through inhalation. [PL 2005, c. 259, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2005, c. 259, §1 (NEW).]

2. Use prohibited. A person may not use vaporized alcohol or an alcohol vaporizing device. A. A person who violates this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $250 and not more than $500 must be adjudged. [PL 2005, c. 259, §1 (NEW).] B. A person who violates this subsection after having been previously adjudicated as violating this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $500 and not more than $3,000 must be adjudged. [PL 2005, c. 259, §1 (NEW).] In addition to a fine imposed under this subsection, a court may make additional orders as described in Title 22, section 2383‑C, subsection 6 . [PL 2005, c. 259, §1 (NEW).]

3. Selling or furnishing prohibited. A person may not sell, furnish or give away or offer for sale or offer to furnish or give away vaporized alcohol or an alcohol vaporizing device. A. A person who violates this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $500 and not more than $1,000 must be adjudged. [PL 2005, c. 259, §1 (NEW).] B. A person who violates this subsection after having been previously adjudicated as violating this subsection commits a Class E crime for which a fine of not less than $1,000 and, notwithstanding Title 17‑A, section 1704, subsection 5 and section 1705, subsection 5 , not more than $5,000 must be imposed. In addition to a fine imposed under this subsection, if the person is a licensee under chapter 19 , 43 or 45 , the court may suspend that person's license for up to one year. A violation under this paragraph is a strict liability crime as defined in Title 17‑A, section 34, subsection 4‑A . [PL 2019, c. 113, Pt. C, §71 (AMD).] [PL 2019, c. 113, Pt. C, §71 (AMD).]

4. Exceptions. This section does not apply to vaporized alcohol or alcohol vaporizing devices used for medical or scientific research. [PL 2005, c. 259, §1 (NEW).]
28-B M.R.S. § 603 — ME Code / Title 28-B / Chapter 1 / Section 603
28-B §603. Notification requirements
Status: in_force

1. Notification of testing results required. If the results of a mandatory test conducted pursuant to section 602 indicate that the tested adult use cannabis or adult use cannabis product exceeds the maximum level of allowable contamination for any contaminant that is injurious to health and for which testing is required, the testing facility immediately shall quarantine, document and properly destroy the cannabis or cannabis product, except when the owner of the tested cannabis or cannabis product has successfully undertaken remediation and retesting, and within 30 days of completing the test shall notify the office of the test results. [PL 2023, c. 679, Pt. B, §118 (AMD).]

1-A. Notification of retesting results required. If a licensee chooses to retest any cannabis or cannabis product for potency in accordance with section 503, subsection 4‑A , the testing facility shall provide to the office and the licensee the results of the initial test for potency as well as the results of the retest for potency. [PL 2023, c. 679, Pt. B, §118 (NEW).]

2. Notification of testing results not required. A testing facility is not required to notify the office of the results of any test: A. Conducted on adult use cannabis or an adult use cannabis product at the direction of a licensee pursuant to section 602 that demonstrates that the cannabis or cannabis product does not exceed the maximum level of allowable contamination for any contaminant that is injurious to health and for which testing is required; [PL 2017, c. 409, Pt. A, §6 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 669, §5 (REV).] B. Conducted on adult use cannabis or an adult use cannabis product at the direction of a licensee for research and development purposes only, so long as the licensee notifies the testing facility prior to the performance of the test that the testing is for research and development purposes only; [PL 2017, c. 409, Pt. A, §6 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 669, §5 (REV).] C. Conducted on cannabis or a cannabis product at the direction of a person who is not a licensee; or [PL 2017, c. 409, Pt. A, §6 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 669, §5 (REV).] D. Conducted on a substance that is not cannabis or a cannabis product. [PL 2017, c. 409, Pt. A, §6 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 669, §5 (REV).] [PL 2023, c. 679, Pt. B, §118 (AMD).]
28-A M.R.S. § 453-D — ME Code / Title 28-A / Part 2 / Chapter 19 / Section 453-D
28-A §453-D. Change of location
Status: in_force

The bureau shall permit the relocation of an agency liquor store within the same municipality as prescribed by this section. [PL 2011, c. 135, §1 (NEW).]

1. Relocation application requirements. The bureau shall permit a change of location of an agency liquor store licensee if: A. The licensee submits an application in a form prescribed by the bureau; [PL 2017, c. 167, §7 (AMD).] B. The application includes proof of receipt of municipal approval of the relocation; [PL 2011, c. 135, §1 (NEW).] C. The licensee has held the license and operated as an agency liquor store for no less than one year at the currently licensed location, unless the relocation is directly related to retroactive zoning or unintentional destruction of the property that prevents rebuilding at the current location; [PL 2017, c. 167, §7 (AMD).] D. The proposed location of the agency liquor store meets all applicable criteria for licensure for an agency liquor store; and [PL 2017, c. 167, §7 (AMD).] E. The application includes proof of notification, in the form of a certified mail receipt, that all agency liquor stores in the same municipality as the licensee's proposed relocation site were notified of the proposed relocation before receiving approval under paragraph B . [PL 2017, c. 167, §7 (NEW).] [PL 2017, c. 167, §7 (AMD).]

2. Hearing on relocation application. [PL 2017, c. 167, §8 (RP).]

3. Agency liquor store input. The bureau shall establish a process by which an agency liquor store in the same municipality as the licensee's proposed relocation may declare support of or objections to a proposed relocation. The bureau shall consider the declarations when considering approval of the relocation application. The process required by this subsection must be established by rule. The bureau shall adopt routine technical rules pursuant to Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A to implement this subsection. [RR 2017, c. 2, §11 (COR).]
28-A M.R.S. § 707-A — ME Code / Title 28-A / Part 3 / Chapter 29 / Section 707-A
28-A §707-A. Exceptions to indebtedness or operations limitations
Status: in_force

1. Certain financial interests permitted. Notwithstanding section 707 , if the requirements of subsection 2 are met, section 707 does not prohibit: A. A person that owns or has a financial interest in a holder of a retail license issued in conjunction with and as part of the operations of a hotel from owning or having a financial interest in a certificate of approval holder; or [PL 1997, c. 659, §1 (NEW).] B. A person that owns or has a financial interest in a certificate of approval holder from owning or having a financial interest in the holder of a retail license issued in conjunction with and as part of the operations of a hotel. [PL 1997, c. 659, §1 (NEW).] [PL 1997, c. 659, §1 (NEW).]

2. Requirements. The exceptions to section 707 set out in subsection 1 apply only if each of the following requirements is met. A. The hotel must have at least 100 adequate sleeping rooms and the relationship between the occupants of those rooms and the owner or operator of the establishment is that of hotel guest and innkeeper. [PL 2021, c. 658, §99 (AMD).] B. The hotel may not purchase malt liquor or wine products sold by the certificate of approval holder to wholesale licensees, and the certificate of approval holder may not require any brand of liquor product to be purchased or sold by the hotel. [PL 2021, c. 658, §99 (AMD).] C. The certificate of approval holder and the retail licensee may not directly or indirectly own or have any interest in a wholesale licensee. [PL 2021, c. 658, §99 (AMD).] D. The certificate of approval holder and the retail licensees must be separate entities and may not have any common directors. [PL 2021, c. 658, §99 (AMD).] [PL 2021, c. 658, §99 (AMD).]

3. Construction. The exceptions to section 707 set out in subsection 1 must be construed narrowly and be limited to the express terms contained in subsection 1 . The exceptions contained in subsection 1 may not be construed to undermine the general prohibition against tied interests contained in section 707 . [PL 1997, c. 659, §1 (NEW).]
28-B M.R.S. § 701 — ME Code / Title 28-B / Chapter 1 / Section 701
28-B §701. Labeling and packaging
Status: in_force

1. Labeling requirements. Adult use cannabis and adult use cannabis products to be sold or offered for sale by a licensee to a consumer in accordance with this chapter must be labeled with the following information, as applicable based on the cannabis or cannabis product to be sold: A. The license numbers of the cultivation facility, the products manufacturing facility and the cannabis store where the adult use cannabis or adult use cannabis product was cultivated, manufactured and offered for sale; [PL 2017, c. 409, Pt. A, §6 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 669, §5 (REV).] B. An identity statement and universal symbol; [PL 2017, c. 409, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).] C. Health and safety warning labels as required by rules adopted by the office after consultation with the Department of Health and Human Services, Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention; [PL 2023, c. 679, Pt. B, §122 (AMD).] D. The batch number; [PL 2017, c. 409, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).] E. A net weight statement; [PL 2017, c. 409, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).] F. Information on the THC potency of the cannabis or cannabis product and the potency of such other cannabinoids or other chemicals in the cannabis or cannabis product, including, but not limited to, cannabidiol. If a licensee chooses to retest any cannabis or cannabis product for potency in accordance with section 503, subsection 4‑A , the licensee shall include the THC potency information of the cannabis or cannabis product from the retest results. For edible cannabis products, the information required pursuant to this paragraph must be consistent with section 703, subsection 1, paragraphs F and F‑1 ; [PL 2023, c. 679, Pt. B, §122 (AMD).] G. Information on the amount of THC and cannabidiol per serving of the edible cannabis product. The information required pursuant to this paragraph must be consistent with section 703, subsection 1, paragraph F and F‑1 and contain the number of servings per package; [PL 2023, c. 679, Pt. B, §122 (AMD).] H. Information on gases, solvents and chemicals used in cannabis extraction; [PL 2017, c. 409, Pt. A, §6 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 669, §5 (REV).] I. Instructions on route of administration; [PL 2023, c. 679, Pt. B, §122 (AMD).] J. For adult use cannabis products: (1) The amount of cannabis concentrate per serving of the product, as measured in grams or milligrams, and the amount of cannabis concentrate per package of the product, as measured in grams or milligrams; (2) A list of ingredients and possible allergens; and (3) A recommended use date or expiration date; [PL 2023, c. 679, Pt. B, §122 (AMD).] K. For edible cannabis products, a nutritional fact panel; and [PL 2017, c. 409, Pt. A, §6 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 669, §5 (REV).] L. Any other information required by rule by the office. [PL 2023, c. 679, Pt. B, §122 (AMD).] [PL 2023, c. 679, Pt. B, §122 (AMD).]

2. Packaging requirements. Adult use cannabis and adult use cannabis products to be sold or offered for sale by a licensee to a consumer in accordance with this chapter must be packaged in the following manner, as applicable based on the cannabis or cannabis product to be sold. A. Adult use cannabis and adult use cannabis products must be prepackaged in child-resistant and tamper-evident packaging or must be placed in child-resistant and tamper-evident packaging at the final point of sale to a consumer. [PL 2023, c. 679, Pt. B, §122 (AMD).] B. [PL 2023, c. 679, Pt. B, §122 (RP).] C. Packaging for liquid adult use cannabis products that contain more than one serving must include an integral measurement component that measures one serving of the adult use cannabis product and a child-resistant cap or closure. [PL 2023, c. 679, Pt. B, §122 (AMD).] D. [PL 2023, c. 679, Pt. B, §122 (RP).] [PL 2023, c. 679, Pt. B, §122 (AMD).]

3. Other approved labeling and packaging. Adult use cannabis and adult use cannabis products to be sold or offered for sale by a licensee to a consumer in accordance with this chapter may include on the label or the packaging of the cannabis or cannabis product: A. A statement of compatibility with dietary practices; [PL 2017, c. 409, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).] B. Depictions of geometric shapes or cannabis leaves; [PL 2017, c. 409, Pt. A, §6 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 669, §5 (REV).] C. Use of the terms "organic," "organically cultivated" or "organically grown" in accordance with requirements regarding the use of such terms as adopted by rule by the office; and [PL 2023, c. 679, Pt. B, §122 (AMD).] D. Any other information that has been preapproved by the office pursuant to subsection 5 or information that is not prohibited. [PL 2023, c. 679, Pt. B, §122 (AMD).] [PL 2023, c. 679, Pt. B, §122 (AMD).]

4. Labeling and packaging prohibitions. Adult use cannabis and adult use cannabis products to be sold or offered for sale by a licensee to a consumer in accordance with this chapter: A. May not be labeled or packaged in violation of a federal trademark law or regulation or in a manner that would cause a reasonable consumer confusion as to whether the cannabis or cannabis product was a trademarked product; [PL 2017, c. 409, Pt. A, §6 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 669, §5 (REV).] B. May not be labeled or packaged in a manner that targets minors or contains subject matter or an illustration that targets minors; [PL 2023, c. 679, Pt. B, §122 (AMD).] C. May not be labeled or packaged in a manner that obscures identifying information on the label or uses a false or deceptive label; [PL 2017, c. 409, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).] D. May not be sold or offered for sale using a label or packaging that depicts a human, animal or fruit; and [PL 2017, c. 409, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).] E. May not be labeled or packaged in violation of any other labeling or packaging requirement or restriction imposed by rule by the office. [PL 2023, c. 679, Pt. B, §122 (AMD).] [PL 2023, c. 679, Pt. B, §122 (AMD).]

5. Voluntary labeling and packaging approval. A licensee may submit to the office a request for approval of any labeling or packaging the licensee intends to use. The request must include the following information as applicable: A. A digital or physical sample of the label for which approval is requested or a physical sample of any package for which approval is requested; [PL 2023, c. 679, Pt. B, §122 (NEW).] B. A description of any additional labels that will be affixed to the label or package and the information contained on these additional labels; and [PL 2023, c. 679, Pt. B, §122 (NEW).] C. Any additional information required on an approval request form provided by the office and available on the office’s publicly accessible website. [PL 2023, c. 679, Pt. B, §122 (NEW).] The office may not refuse to review any voluntary request for approval. The office may deny any label or package it determines does not comply with this chapter or the rules adopted pursuant to this chapter. Within 30 days of submission of the request, the office shall issue a written decision either approving or denying the request, including the reason for denial, if applicable. If the request is approved, the office may not take any enforcement action of any kind against the licensee solely for using the approved labeling or packaging. [PL 2023, c. 679, Pt. B, §122 (NEW).]
28-A M.R.S. § 1055 — ME Code / Title 28-A / Part 3 / Chapter 43 / Section 1055
28-A §1055. Liquor samples at Class A restaurants and Class A restaurant/lounges
Status: in_force

1. Liquor samples at restaurants. A restaurant licensed by the bureau as a Class A restaurant or a Class A restaurant/lounge may offer complimentary samples of malt liquor, wine or spirits to a customer, subject to the following conditions: A. A sample may not be given to a person under 21 years of age; [PL 2015, c. 142, §3 (NEW).] B. A person may not be provided more than 3 samples per day, and samples are subject to the following size limits: (1) A sample of malt liquor may not exceed 3 ounces; (2) A sample of wine may not exceed one ounce; and (3) A sample of spirits may not exceed 1/2 of one ounce; [PL 2015, c. 142, §3 (NEW).] C. A person who is visibly intoxicated may not be served; [PL 2015, c. 142, §3 (NEW).] D. The sampling must be conducted during regular business hours of the Class A restaurant or Class A restaurant/lounge and must take place on the licensed premises only in areas of the Class A restaurant or Class A restaurant/lounge where liquor is normally served to customers; [PL 2015, c. 142, §3 (NEW).] E. Samples may be provided only by employees of the Class A restaurant or Class A restaurant/lounge; [PL 2015, c. 142, §3 (NEW).] F. Wine or malt liquor served as a sample must be purchased from a wholesale licensee; and [PL 2015, c. 142, §3 (NEW).] G. Spirits served as a sample must be purchased from a reselling agent. [PL 2021, c. 658, §174 (AMD).] [PL 2021, c. 658, §174 (AMD).]
28-A M.R.S. § 455 — ME Code / Title 28-A / Part 2 / Chapter 19 / Section 455
28-A §455.  Purchase of spirits
Status: in_force

1. Agency liquor store purchases. Agency liquor stores shall buy their spirits from the bureau under section 606 . [PL 2021, c. 658, §71 (AMD).]

2. Monthly specials. The bureau may establish monthly specials for all agency liquor stores. [PL 2021, c. 658, §71 (AMD).]
28-A M.R.S. § 6-A — ME Code / Title 28-A / Part 1 / Chapter 1 / Section 6-A
28-A §6-A. Approval and registration of labels
Status: in_force

1. Federal approval required; exception. A person may not import to the State, export from the State or sell in the State malt liquor, wine, hard cider or a low‑alcohol spirits product unless the container in which the malt liquor, wine, hard cider or low‑alcohol spirits product is imported, exported or sold bears a label approved by the United States Department of the Treasury, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. This subsection does not apply to malt liquor, wine, hard cider or a low‑alcohol spirits product that is manufactured in the State and is not distributed, shipped, delivered or sold in interstate commerce. [PL 2019, c. 46, §2 (NEW).]

2. Bureau registration required; exceptions. Malt liquor, wine, hard cider or a low‑alcohol spirits product may not be sold in the State unless the container in which the malt liquor, wine, hard cider or low‑alcohol spirits product is sold bears a label registered with the bureau. This subsection does not apply to: A. Liquor sold by the manufacturer for on‑premises consumption pursuant to section 1355‑A, subsection 2, paragraph B or I ; [PL 2023, c. 197, §1 (AMD).] B. Liquor sold by a Maine manufacturer in a keg to an on‑premises retail licensee; or [PL 2023, c. 197, §1 (AMD).] C. Malt liquor, wine, hard cider or a low‑alcohol spirits product sold by the manufacturer bearing a label approved by the United States Department of the Treasury, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. A manufacturer seeking an exception under this paragraph shall provide the bureau with notice of all products sold by that manufacturer in this State that meet the requirements of this paragraph. [PL 2023, c. 197, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2023, c. 197, §1 (AMD).]

2-A. Criteria for label registration. Bureau review and approval of label registration is limited to whether the submitted label conforms to the regulations adopted by the United States Department of the Treasury, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau and the following criteria: A. The label does not contain any statement, design, device or representation that: (1) To the average individual, applying contemporary community standards, considered as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest; (2) Depicts or describes, in an offensive manner, sexual acts, excretory functions, masturbation or lewd exhibition of the genitals; and (3) Considered as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value; and [PL 2023, c. 219, §1 (NEW).] B. The label does not contain a subject matter or an illustration that targets minors. [PL 2023, c. 219, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2023, c. 219, §1 (NEW).]

3. Fees. The fees for registering a label with the bureau under subsection 2 are as follows. A. The fee for the initial label registration or notice under subsection 2, paragraph C is $10. [PL 2023, c. 197, §2 (AMD).] B. The fee for changing a label registration or notice under subsection 2, paragraph C is $1. [PL 2023, c. 197, §2 (AMD).] C. The annual renewal fee is $1 for each registered label or notice under subsection 2, paragraph C . Renewal of a label registration or notice under subsection 2, paragraph C must coincide with renewal of the relevant license or certificate of approval. [PL 2023, c. 197, §2 (AMD).] [PL 2023, c. 197, §2 (AMD).]

4. Rulemaking. The bureau shall adopt rules, consistent with the regulations promulgated by the United States Department of the Treasury, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau pursuant to the Federal Alcohol Administration Act, 27 United States Code, Section 205(e), establishing the requirements for registration of a malt liquor, wine, hard cider or low‑alcohol spirits product label and for changing a label registration. [PL 2019, c. 46, §2 (NEW).]
28-A M.R.S. § 651 — ME Code / Title 28-A / Part 3 / Chapter 27 / Section 651
28-A §651. Applications
Status: in_force

1. File application with bureau. An applicant for a license or certificate of approval under this Title shall file an application in the form required by the bureau. [PL 2021, c. 658, §92 (AMD).]

2. Contents of application. The application must contain the following. A. An applicant shall disclose any person that holds an ownership interest equal to or greater than 10% in the person for which a license or certificate of approval is sought. If the applicant is a purchaser by contract, the applicant shall also disclose the terms of the contract. (1) For any person that holds an ownership interest equal to or greater than 10% in the person for which a license or certificate of approval is sought and is a business entity, the applicant shall disclose any person that holds an ownership interest in that business entity that holds an ownership interest equal to or greater than 10% in the person for which a license or certificate of approval is sought. (2) For any person that holds an ownership interest equal to or greater than 10% in the person for which a license or certificate of approval is sought and is a business entity, the applicant may attest to the bureau by affidavit that no person that holds an ownership interest in that business entity holds an ownership interest equal to or greater than 10% in the person for which a license or certificate of approval is sought. [PL 2023, c. 633, §1 (RPR).] A-1. An applicant shall disclose any person that holds an indirect financial interest equal to or greater than 10% in the person for which a license or certificate of approval is sought. For the purposes of this paragraph, "indirect financial interest" means: (1) An option, warrant or other right to acquire an equity interest in the person for which a license or certificate of approval is sought; or (2) A right to payment of, or a right to payment based upon, all or any portion of revenues, profits or losses derived from the operations under a license or certificate of approval issued under this Title of the person for which a license or certificate of approval is sought, including, but not limited to, profit sharing, revenue sharing or royalty payments. [PL 2025, c. 21, §1 (AMD).] B. An applicant for a license for the sale of liquor for on-premises consumption shall include in the application a description of the premises to be licensed and provide any other material information, description or plan of that part of the premises where the applicant proposes to keep or sell liquor as the bureau requires. [PL 2021, c. 658, §92 (AMD).] C. The owner or the bona fide prospective purchaser shall sign the application. If the owner or bona fide prospective purchaser is: (1) A natural person, then that person shall sign; (2) A partnership, then the partners of the partnership shall sign; or (3) A corporation, then a principal officer of the corporation or any person specifically authorized by the corporation shall sign. [PL 2021, c. 658, §92 (AMD).] [PL 2025, c. 21, §1 (AMD).]

3. False answer given intentionally. An applicant may not attempt to conceal or disguise ownership interest or indirect financial interest in the person for which a license or certificate of approval is sought. A person who intentionally gives an untruthful answer in an application for a license or certificate of approval under this Title violates Title 17‑A, section 453 . As used in this subsection, "indirect financial interest" has the same meaning as in subsection 2, paragraph A‑1 . [PL 2023, c. 633, §3 (AMD).]

4. Rulemaking. The bureau may adopt routine technical rules pursuant to Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A to administer this section. [PL 2023, c. 633, §4 (NEW).]
28-A M.R.S. § 87 — ME Code / Title 28-A / Part 1 / Chapter 3-A / Section 87
28-A §87. Eligibility of employees
Status: in_force

A person is not eligible for employment with the bureau if that person: [PL 2013, c. 588, Pt. B, §3 (AMD).]

1. Interest in corporation. Has any official, professional or other connection with or owns any stock in a corporation interest either directly or indirectly in the manufacture or sale of liquor; or [PL 1997, c. 373, §28 (NEW).]

2. Violation of state or federal law. Has been convicted or adjudicated guilty of violating any state or federal law regulating the manufacture, sale or transportation of liquor. [PL 1997, c. 373, §28 (NEW).]
28-A M.R.S. § 2071 — ME Code / Title 28-A / Part 6 / Chapter 83 / Section 2071
28-A §2071. Failure to appear before the bureau
Status: in_force

1. Failure to appear when summoned. It is illegal for a person who is summoned as a witness by the bureau to appear before the bureau, to fail to appear without reasonable cause at the time and place designated in the subpoena or summons. [PL 1997, c. 373, §152 (AMD).]

2. Penalties. A person who violates this section commits a Class E crime. [PL 1987, c. 45, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).]
28-A M.R.S. § 1004 — ME Code / Title 28-A / Part 3 / Chapter 41 / Section 1004
28-A §1004. Class III licenses
Status: in_force

1. Types of liquor which may be sold. A Class III licensee may sell wine to be consumed on the premises where sold. [PL 1987, c. 45, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).]

2. Fees. The fees for a Class III license are as follows: A. Full-time (one year)...............$220. [PL 1993, c. 410, Pt. ZZ, §9 (AMD).] B. [PL 1993, c. 410, Pt. ZZ, §9 (RP).] C. [PL 1987, c. 342, §61 (RP).] D. [PL 1993, c. 410, Pt. ZZ, §9 (RP).] [PL 1993, c. 410, Pt. ZZ, §9 (AMD).]

3. Eligible premises. The following premises are eligible to obtain a Class III license: A. Airline corporations; [PL 2021, c. 658, §136 (AMD).] B. Auditoriums; [PL 1989, c. 158, §5 (REEN).] B-1. Bowling centers; [PL 1989, c. 244, §4 (NEW).] B-2. Bed and breakfasts; [PL 1993, c. 730, §36 (NEW).] C. Civic auditoriums; [PL 1987, c. 45, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).] D. Class A restaurants; [PL 1987, c. 45, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).] E. Clubs with catering privileges; [PL 1987, c. 45, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).] E-1. Curling centers; [PL 2021, c. 658, §137 (AMD).] F. [PL 2021, c. 658, §138 (RP).] F-1. Disc golf courses; [PL 2017, c. 17, §4 (NEW).] G. Golf courses; [PL 2017, c. 167, §17 (AMD).] H. Hotels; [PL 1987, c. 45, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).] H-1. Indoor golf centers; [PL 2023, c. 44, §14 (NEW).] I. Indoor ice skating centers; [PL 2021, c. 658, §139 (AMD).] J. Indoor racquet centers; [PL 2021, c. 658, §140 (AMD).] J-1. Outdoor golf centers; [PL 2023, c. 44, §15 (NEW).] K. Outdoor stadiums; [PL 1987, c. 45, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).] L. Performing arts centers; [PL 1987, c. 45, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).] L-1. Pool halls; [PL 1999, c. 760, §2 (NEW).] M. Qualified catering services; [PL 1987, c. 45, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).] M-1. Railroad corporations; [PL 2021, c. 658, §141 (NEW).] N. Restaurants; and [PL 1987, c. 45, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).] O. Vessel corporations. [PL 2021, c. 658, §142 (AMD).] [PL 2023, c. 44, §§14, 15 (AMD).]
28-B M.R.S. § 104-B — ME Code / Title 28-B / Chapter 1 / Section 104-B
28-B §104-B. Director of the Office of Cannabis Policy
Status: in_force

The Director of the Office of Cannabis Policy, referred to in this chapter as "the director," may employ personnel as necessary to implement, administer and enforce this chapter and the rules adopted pursuant to this chapter and the Maine Medical Use of Cannabis Act and the rules adopted pursuant to that Act. [PL 2023, c. 679, Pt. B, §6 (NEW).]

1. Duties. The director shall: A. Promote the health and well-being of the people of the State and advance policies that protect public health and safety, emphasizing the health and well-being of minors, as priority considerations in performing all duties, including those listed in this subsection; [PL 2023, c. 679, Pt. B, §6 (NEW).] B. Ensure that the administration of the laws of and the rules adopted pursuant to this Act and the Maine Medical Use of Cannabis Act is consistent, predictable and equitable; [PL 2023, c. 679, Pt. B, §6 (NEW).] C. Ensure that qualifying patients maintain access to high-quality, effective and affordable cannabis for medical use under the Maine Medical Use of Cannabis Act; and [PL 2023, c. 679, Pt. B, §6 (NEW).] D. Develop good faith partnerships between the office and licensees. [PL 2023, c. 679, Pt. B, §6 (NEW).] [PL 2023, c. 679, Pt. B, §6 (NEW).]
28-A M.R.S. § 1407 — ME Code / Title 28-A / Part 3 / Chapter 55 / Section 1407
28-A §1407. Exclusive distributors of certificate of approval holders' products
Status: in_force

1. Exclusive distributors. Except as provided in section 1454 , the wholesale licensee appointed by the certificate of approval holder to be the exclusive distributor for specific brands of malt liquor and wine cannot be terminated as exclusive distributor of those specific brands upon the voluntary or involuntary termination or transfer of the same brands of malt liquor and wine by the certificate of approval holder that registered the specific labels and established prices with the bureau. The certificate of approval holder acquiring these brands shall take the place of the certificate of approval holder that appointed the distributors and shall comply with section 1406 . [PL 2021, c. 658, §251 (AMD).]

2. Unfair trade practice. A violation of this section shall be considered a violation of the Maine Unfair Trade Practices Act and all remedies provided by that Act are available for a violation of this section. [RR 1993, c. 1, §72 (COR).]
28-A M.R.S. § 1457 — ME Code / Title 28-A / Part 3 / Chapter 57 / Section 1457
28-A §1457. Compensation
Status: in_force

1. Reasonable compensation. [PL 2019, c. 529, §9 (RP).]

1-A. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Affected brand or brands" means the brand or brands of a certificate of approval holder that will no longer be distributed by a wholesale licensee after the certificate of approval holder makes a triggering change to the agreement between the certificate of approval holder and the wholesale licensee. [PL 2019, c. 529, §9 (NEW).] B. "Case equivalent" means a volume equivalent to 24 12-ounce units. [PL 2019, c. 529, §9 (NEW).] C. "Good cause" has the same meaning as described in section 1454 . [PL 2019, c. 529, §9 (NEW).] D. "Small beer manufacturer" means a small brewery or out-of-state brewery that brews, lagers and kegs, bottles or packages its own malt liquor, not to exceed 30,000 barrels per year. [PL 2021, c. 658, §259 (AMD).] E. "Small hard cider manufacturer" means a small winery or out-of-state winery that ferments, ages or bottles any amount of wine, as long as it ferments, ages or bottles no more than 3,000 barrels per year of wine that is hard cider. [PL 2019, c. 529, §9 (NEW).] F. "Triggering change" means an amendment, cancellation in whole or in part, termination, refusal to continue or refusal to renew an agreement by a certificate of approval holder or the resignation of a wholesale licensee from an agreement if the resignation is caused by the certificate of approval holder, unless good cause can be established or proven for the amendment, cancellation, termination, refusal to continue, refusal to renew or caused resignation. "Triggering change" includes the unreasonable withholding of consent by a certificate of approval holder to any assignment, transfer or sale of a wholesale licensee's business. [PL 2019, c. 529, §9 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 658, §259 (AMD).]

1-B. Reasonable compensation; general rule. Except as otherwise provided in subsections 1‑C and 1‑D , if a certificate of approval holder makes a triggering change to an agreement, the certificate of approval holder shall pay the wholesale licensee reasonable compensation for the fair market value of the wholesale licensee's business related to the affected brand or brands. The fair market value of the wholesale licensee's business related to the affected brand or brands includes inventory and other tangible assets and the wholesale licensee's good will. [PL 2019, c. 529, §9 (NEW).]

1-C. Exception; small beer manufacturer or small hard cider manufacturer. Notwithstanding subsection 1‑B , a small beer manufacturer or small hard cider manufacturer must pay a wholesale licensee reasonable compensation in accordance with subsection 1‑D if: A. The small beer manufacturer makes a triggering change to an agreement that prevents the wholesale licensee from continuing to distribute a brand or brands of malt liquor or the small hard cider manufacturer makes a triggering change to an agreement that prevents the wholesale licensee from continuing to distribute a brand or brands of hard cider; and [PL 2019, c. 529, §9 (NEW).] B. During the 12-month period immediately preceding the date on which the small beer manufacturer or the small hard cider manufacturer provides the wholesale licensee with the first written notice of the triggering change, if notice is required under section 1455 , or the date on which the small beer manufacturer or small hard cider manufacturer unreasonably withholds its consent to any assignment, transfer or sale of the wholesale licensee's business, the total number of case equivalents of the affected brand or brands of malt liquor or hard cider distributed by the wholesale licensee was less than 10,000 and represented no more than 3% of the total number of case equivalents of all brands of liquor for all certificate of approval holders that were distributed by the wholesale licensee. [PL 2019, c. 529, §9 (NEW).] [PL 2019, c. 529, §9 (NEW).]

1-D. Reasonable compensation; alternative calculation. Notwithstanding subsection 1‑B , if a small beer manufacturer or small hard cider manufacturer makes a triggering change to an agreement that meets the requirements of subsection 1‑C , the small beer manufacturer or small hard cider manufacturer shall pay the wholesale licensee reasonable compensation for the fair market value of the wholesale licensee's business related to the affected brand or brands of malt liquor or hard cider in accordance with this subsection. A. If the wholesale licensee's total gross profits with respect to the affected brand or brands during the 12-month period described in subsection 1‑C were equal to or less than the wholesale licensee's total gross profits with respect to the affected brand or brands during the next preceding 12-month period, the small beer manufacturer or small hard cider manufacturer shall pay as reasonable compensation an amount equal to the wholesale licensee's total gross profits with respect to the affected brand or brands during the 12-month period described in subsection 1‑C . [PL 2019, c. 529, §9 (NEW).] B. If the wholesale licensee's total gross profits with respect to the affected brand or brands during the 12-month period described in subsection 1‑C were greater than the wholesale licensee's total gross profits with respect to the affected brand or brands during the next preceding 12-month period, the small beer manufacturer or small hard cider manufacturer shall pay as reasonable compensation an amount equal to twice the wholesale licensee's total gross profits with respect to the affected brand or brands during the 12-month period described in subsection 1‑C . [PL 2019, c. 529, §9 (NEW).] This subsection does not govern the reasonable compensation that a small hard cider manufacturer is required to pay a wholesale licensee for the fair market value of the wholesale licensee's business related to an affected brand or brands of wine that is not hard cider. [PL 2019, c. 529, §9 (NEW).]

1-E. Waiver. Notwithstanding section 1462 , nothing in this chapter prevents a wholesale licensee from limiting or waiving its right to receive reasonable compensation under subsection 1‑B or 1‑D from a small beer manufacturer or a small hard cider manufacturer in an agreement between the wholesale licensee and the small beer manufacturer or the small hard cider manufacturer. [PL 2019, c. 529, §9 (NEW).]

2. Neutral arbitrator. If the certificate of approval holder and the wholesale licensee are unable to agree on the amount of reasonable compensation to be paid for the fair market value of the wholesale licensee's business related to the affected brand or brands of the certificate of approval holder, they shall submit the matter to a neutral arbitrator selected by the parties, or, if they cannot agree, by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court. The costs of the arbitration must be paid 1/2 by the wholesale licensee and 1/2 by the certificate of approval holder or otherwise the arbitration proceeding must be governed by the Uniform Arbitration Act. The arbitrator shall issue a written decision on the matter no later than 45 days after the date of the commencement of the arbitration proceeding. [PL 2019, c. 529, §9 (AMD).]

3. Distribution during arbitration. Notwithstanding any provision of this Title to the contrary or the terms, conditions or other provisions of any agreement, when a small beer manufacturer or a small hard cider manufacturer makes a triggering change to an agreement, the small beer manufacturer or the small hard cider manufacturer may immediately: A. If the small beer manufacturer is a small brewery, sell the affected brand or brands of malt liquor directly to retail licensees in the wholesale licensee's territory in accordance with section 1355‑A, subsection 3, paragraph B , subparagraph (2); [PL 2019, c. 529, §9 (NEW).] B. If the small hard cider manufacturer is a small winery, sell the affected brand or brands of hard cider directly to retail licensees in the wholesale licensee's territory in accordance with section 1355‑A, subsection 4, paragraph B , subparagraph (1); [PL 2019, c. 529, §9 (NEW).] C. Appoint one or more new wholesale licensees to sell the affected brand or brands of malt liquor or hard cider in all or any portion of the territory of the wholesale licensee subject to the triggering change; or [PL 2019, c. 529, §9 (NEW).] D. Engage in any combination of actions described in paragraphs A , B and C , if applicable. [PL 2019, c. 529, §9 (NEW).] [PL 2019, c. 529, §9 (AMD).]
28-A M.R.S. § 2504 — ME Code / Title 28-A / Part 8 / Chapter 100 / Section 2504
28-A §2504. Plaintiffs
Status: in_force

1. Persons who may bring suit. Except as provided in subsection 2 , any person who suffers damage, as provided in section 2508 , may bring an action under this Act, against a server for negligently or recklessly serving liquor to an individual. [PL 1987, c. 45, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).]

2. Persons who may not bring suit. The following may not bring an action under this Act against a server for negligently serving liquor to an individual: A. The intoxicated individual if the intoxicated individual is at least 18 years of age when served by the server; [PL 2021, c. 658, §281 (AMD).] B. The estate of the intoxicated individual if the intoxicated individual was at least 18 years of age when served by the server; and [PL 1987, c. 45, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).] C. Any person asserting claims arising out of the personal injury or death of the intoxicated individual if the intoxicated individual was at least 18 years of age when served by the server. [PL 1987, c. 45, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 658, §281 (AMD).]