Contact:
Krysta West
Communications Director
Senate Republican Office
(207) 287-1505
krysta.west@legislature.maine.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AUGUSTA – Senator Saviello (R-Franklin) has again introduced legislation to ease restrictions on brewers that also hold a restaurant liquor license.

Under current law, brewers that also hold a restaurant liquor license must have a wall between where they sell beer and food for on-premises consumption and the area they sell beer for customers to take home. Senator Saviello’s bill (LD 388) seeks to eliminate that requirement.

“Craft brewing is incredibly popular right now with at least 27 brewpubs around Maine,” said Sen. Saviello. “This bill provides a great opportunity for lawmakers to eliminate a burdensome, unnecessary regulation so that these businesses can continue to grow and succeed.

“Brewers are able to sell beer samples for on premise consumption and also sell beer to enjoy at home. It isn’t right that if they also have a restaurant liquor license, they are required to conduct their business in separate spaces.”

At this time, LD 388 has been referred to the Committee on Veterans and Legal Affairs for consideration.

A similar bill was introduced by Sen. Saviello last session; it lost by one vote in the Senate.

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