PLEASE NOTE: Legislative Information cannot perform research, provide legal advice, or interpret Maine law. For legal assistance, please contact a qualified attorney.
An Act Regarding Liquor Licenses for Qualified Catering Services
Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas,  current law requires clarification with regard to licenses for qualified caterers who own freestanding event halls; and
Whereas,  opportunities for business expansion and employment opportunities are hampered by this need for clarification; 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 §1076, sub-§1-A  is enacted to read:
 
1-A.  Events sponsored by qualified catering service.   The bureau may issue a license under this section for the sale of spirits, wine and malt liquor to be consumed on the premises to a qualified catering service for events hosted by the qualified catering service at an event facility owned by the qualified catering service that serves as the qualified catering service's principal place of business. The number of events permitted under this license may not exceed 2 per month to a maximum of 12 per calendar year.
Emergency clause.  In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.
 
SUMMARY
This bill specifies that a qualified catering service that is eligible for a liquor license may host up to 12 events per year at a facility owned by the catering service and serve alcoholic beverages to be consumed on the premises.