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An Act To Amend the Laws Governing Dual Liquor Licenses
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 hinders the operation of businesses with dual liquor licenses, which authorize retailers to sell wine for consumption both on and off the licensed premises; and
Whereas,  this legislation relaxes the restrictions imposed on businesses with dual liquor licenses to bring those restrictions in line with the restrictions imposed on other licensed liquor retailers; and
Whereas,  this legislation must take effect before the expiration of the 90-day period in order for it to be in effect before commencement of the summer tourist season; 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 §1208, sub-§2, ¶B, as reallocated by PL 2009, c. 510, §7, is amended to read:
 
B. The licensee shall ensure that at least 2 employeesone employee at least 21 years of age areis present at all times when wine is being consumed on the premises with at least one whose primary responsibility is sales of wine and other items sold to be consumed off the premises;
Sec. 2. 28-A MRSA §1208, sub-§2, ¶C, as reallocated by PL 2009, c. 510, §7, is amended to read:
 
C. Wine may be served only to be consumed on the premises when accompanied by a full mealif a full meal is available for purchase and consumption on the premises. For the purposes of this paragraph, "full meal" means a diversified selection of food that cannot ordinarily be consumed without the use of tableware and cannot be conveniently consumed while standing or walking; and
Sec. 3. 28-A MRSA §1208, sub-§2, ¶D, as reallocated by PL 2009, c. 510, §7, is amended to read:
 
D. Patrons of the establishment may not consume any alcoholic beverage on the premises unless it is served in accordance with this section by the licensee or an employee of the licensee; and.
Sec. 4. 28-A MRSA §1208, sub-§2, ¶E, as reallocated by PL 2009, c. 510, §7, is repealed.
Emergency clause.  In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.
 
Effective February 18, 2020.