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MaineLD 1033132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

An Act to Regulate Alcoholic Beverage Competitions

Sponsored By: Daniel Shagoury (Democratic)

Became Law

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGESALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES - REGULATION

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

Homebrew allowed with clear limits

You do not need a manufacturing license to make malt liquor, wine, or hard cider at home for personal use, if it is not for sale and has no added spirits. You may take homemade liquor to a permitted judging event and enter it only if it contains no spirits. You may not add spirits, and you may not sell homemade liquor. Breaking these homemade liquor rules is a Class E crime.

Manufacturers can host judging contests

Manufacturers with a certificate of approval can get a permit to host a liquor judging event. Apply at least 15 calendar days before the event and list participant names and addresses, event details, and liquor storage locations. The permit fee is $20 per event, and you can get up to 10 permits per calendar year. The bureau decides right away and can suspend or revoke a permit. You may charge participation fees and hold the event off licensed premises. The bureau runs the program and may set technical rules.

Tight rules for judging events

Events are closed to the public, and minors may not attend. Only judges and stewards may taste entries. Entry points must be marked and monitored, and servers must refuse anyone who is visibly drunk. No liquor sales are allowed in the competition area. If the site has an on‑premises license, sales in the event area are paused, but licensed sellers may sell outside the event area. Homemade spirits cannot be entered.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Daniel Shagoury

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Anne Graham

    Democratic • House

  • Craig V. Hickman

    Democratic • Senate

  • David Boyer

    Republican • House

  • Karen Montell

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 315

    5/1/2026

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    6/2/2025Senate

  3. PASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    5/29/2025House

  4. Report READ and ACCEPTED, in concurrence.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-276) READ and ADOPTED, in concurrence.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (H-276), in concurrence.Ordered sent down forthwith.

    5/28/2025Senate

  5. CONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-276).Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    5/27/2025House

  6. Carried over, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.

    3/21/2025House

  7. Received by the Clerk of the House on March 12, 2025.The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on VETERANS AND LEGAL AFFAIRS pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2 and ordered printed pursuant to Joint Rule 401.

    3/12/2025House

Bill Text

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