An Act Regarding Special Taste-testing Festivals
Maine Legislature, Session 125, LD 0649
Committee: Veterans and Legal Affairs
Sponsors: FITTS, WALSH INNES, PLOWMAN, GRAHAM, PILON, WOODBURY
Amends: 28-A MRSA §1052-B

Legislative Document 
No. 649 
H.P. 479 
House of Representatives, February 17, 2011 
An Act Regarding Special Taste-testing Festivals 
(EMERGENCY) 
Reference to the Committee on Veterans and Legal Affairs suggested and ordered printed. 
HEATHER J.R. PRIEST 
Clerk 
Presented by Representative FITTS of Pittsfield. 
Cosponsored by Representative WALSH INNES of Yarmouth, Senator PLOWMAN of 
Penobscot and Representatives: GRAHAM of North Yarmouth, PILON of Saco, Senator: 
WOODBURY of Cumberland. 
Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not 
become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and 
Whereas, the economy of the State is greatly benefitted from the promotion of 
tourism and the superior hospitality services available in this State; and 
Whereas, the Legislature should take advantage of any opportunity to support 
Maine's economy; and 
Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within 
the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as 
immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, 
therefore, 
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows: 
Sec. 1.  28-A MRSA §1052-B, sub-§1, as amended by PL 2003, c. 91, §1, is 
further amended to read: 
1.  Special taste-testing festival license.  Malt liquor or wine manufacturers licensed 
under section 1401 or foreign wholesalers of malt liquor and wine with a certificate of 
approval described in section 1361 and manufacturers of malt liquor or wine licensed as 
small breweries or farm wineries under section 1355 may apply jointly for an additional 
license to participate in a special taste-testing festival under this section.  The special 
taste-testing festival license is valid for no more than 3 consecutive days and may be 
issued once annually. 
Sec. 2.  28-A MRSA §1052-B, sub-§2, as enacted by PL 1999, c. 677, §2, is 
amended to read: 
2.  Fee.  The license fee for the special taste-testing festival license under subsection 
is $20 for each certificate of approval holder and each manufacturer of malt liquor and 
each manufacturer of or wine licensed as a small brewery or farm winery. 
Sec. 3.  28-A MRSA §1052-B, sub-§7 is enacted to read: 
7.  Taste-testing festival as part of a broader event.  A special taste-testing festival 
held in accordance with this section may be part of a broader event such as a food 
festival, tourism exposition, trade show or similar event. 
Sec. 4.  28-A MRSA §1052-B, sub-§8 is enacted to read: 
8.  Licensee’s representatives.  Nothing in this section prohibits a representative of a 
licensee from serving samples for taste testing in accordance with the provisions of this 
section.  
Emergency clause.  In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this 
legislation takes effect when approved. 
SUMMARY 
This bill amends existing law regarding special taste-testing festivals to include wine 
manufacturers.  It specifies that a festival may be held in conjunction with a trade show, 
food festival or tourism exposition.  It further specifies that a representative of a beer or 
wine manufacturer or wholesaler is authorized to pour samples at the taste-testing 
festival.