Maine's Beer Buying Laws: Early Access Explained

If you're planning on buying beer in Maine, it's important to know the state's alcohol laws. Maine has different laws compared to other states, and these laws cover both residents and visitors. The minimum drinking age in Maine is 21, and it is illegal for those under 21 to buy alcohol. The hours for selling liquor are from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. every day, including Sundays, with some exceptions for New Year's Day and St. Patrick's Day. There are also dry towns and counties in Maine that prohibit or restrict alcohol sales, so it's important to be aware of local regulations. Understanding these laws is crucial to avoid legal consequences and expensive fines.

Where you can buy beer in Maine

Beer, wine, and liquor can be purchased from grocery stores, bars, restaurants, and brewpubs in Maine. Alcohol sales are permitted from 5 a.m. until 1 a.m. every day, including Sundays, for all alcohol retailers.

Grocery stores in Maine sell beer, wine, and liquor daily from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m., with sales restricted to off-premise consumption and original packaging.

Bars and restaurants can sell beer, wine, and liquor during the same hours, primarily for on-premise consumption. Alcohol can be sold alongside to-go food orders until 2025, but it must be sealed and tamper-evident.

Package and liquor stores can sell alcohol seven days a week between 5 a.m. and 1 a.m., with sales restricted to original packaging and off-premise consumption.

Breweries and taprooms are also permitted to sell alcohol. Small breweries can sell beer for on-premise and off-premise consumption, while brewpubs can sell their beer, as well as other Maine beer, wine, and liquor, from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Additionally, gas stations in Maine can sell beer, wine, and liquor during the standard hours, with sales restricted to off-premise consumption and original packaging.

Online alcohol orders and delivery are also legal in Maine, with services like Drizly offering same-day delivery of beer, wine, and liquor.

When you can buy beer in Maine

If you're looking to buy a beer in Maine, there are a few things you need to know. Firstly, Maine has different alcohol laws compared to other states. So, even if you're familiar with the laws in your home state, it's important to brush up on the local regulations to avoid any legal issues.

Where and When Can You Buy Beer in Maine?

In Maine, you can purchase beer, wine, and liquor from a variety of places, including grocery stores, bars, restaurants, and brewpubs. The hours for buying alcohol are daily from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. for all alcohol retailers. This includes on Sundays, where previously, sales were prohibited until 9 a.m. On New Year's Day, you can buy alcohol until 2 a.m., and it can be consumed in licensed establishments until 2:15 a.m.

Local Variations

It's worth noting that Maine allows its localities to decide their own alcohol sales regulations. While Maine is not a dry state, there are around 40-60 dry or partially dry towns that may restrict or prohibit alcohol sales. These towns include Codeyville Plantation, Elliotsville Plantation, Grand Falls Plantation, and Long Island Plantation.

Age Restrictions

The legal age to purchase and consume alcohol in Maine is 21, and it is illegal for those under 21 to buy or attempt to buy alcohol. Minors may consume alcohol only in private residences with the presence and approval of a parent or guardian.

Other Restrictions

Maine has several other restrictions on alcohol sales and consumption. It is illegal to distribute alcoholic beverages for free, and establishments can only serve a maximum of two drinks to a customer at a time. Drinking games and awarding drinks as prizes are prohibited. Additionally, alcohol is not permitted in state parks, and public intoxication is also illegal.

Drinking laws in Maine

Minimum Age Laws

In Maine, the minimum age to purchase and consume alcohol is 21. Minors may consume alcohol at home in the presence of their parents or guardians. Minors may not transport liquor unless required due to their employment, or at the request of their parent, guardian, or custodian. It is illegal for those under 21 to buy alcohol, and the use of a false ID to buy it is a crime. It is also illegal to sell alcohol to anyone under 21, and doing so carries a jail term of up to 364 days and fines of up to $2,000.

Drinking and Driving

The legal Blood Alcohol Content limit (BAC) for drunk driving in Maine is .08%. However, a person may be charged with Operating Under the Influence (OUI) with any BAC above .00%, especially if there is other evidence of impairment. Teenage drivers may have no alcohol in their system. Drivers under 21 who have any alcohol in their blood lose their license for one year, and if they have a passenger under 21, the state imposes an extra 180 days on the suspension.

Drinking in Public

Liquor and public intoxication are not permitted in Maine state parks. Public intoxication and, in some cases, consumption are also not permitted in Acadia National Park per federal law. Persons are guilty of public drinking when drinking liquor within 200 feet of a legible notice prohibiting the consumption of alcohol.

Other Maine Alcohol Laws

• It is illegal to distribute alcoholic beverages for free and to serve a customer more than two beverages at a time.
• Drinking games are prohibited in bars and restaurants, as is awarding drinks as prizes.
• Bars and restaurants may sell alcohol from 5 a.m. until 1 a.m. every day, including Sundays.
• There are almost 60 completely dry communities in Maine that prohibit the sale of alcohol.

Drinking age in Maine

The drinking age in Maine is 21. This law was instituted in 1987 and requires that anyone who appears to be 30 years of age or younger be carded. There are, however, a few exceptions to the drinking age law. Minors may consume alcohol at home in the presence of their parents or guardians. Additionally, minors may not transport liquor unless it is required for their employment or at the request of their parent, guardian, or custodian.

Maine alcohol laws permit a person 17 or older to be a server in a venue selling alcohol for drinking on-site. They may also be a bartender or a clerk in a store selling alcohol for drinking elsewhere, as long as a supervisor is present. In its age laws, Maine does not distinguish between beer, wine, and distilled spirits (liquor) because standard drinks contain the same amount of pure alcohol.

It is illegal for those under 21 to buy alcohol, and the use of a false ID to purchase alcohol is a crime. It is also illegal to sell alcohol to anyone under 21, and doing so carries a jail sentence of up to 364 days and fines of up to $2,000 plus surcharges. If the customer is under 21 and drinks alcohol, then causes serious bodily injury or death, the penalty is greater: up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine, plus surcharges and two years of probation.

There are also penalties for possessing alcohol under the age of 21. The first offense is a fine of $100 to $300. A second offense is a fine of $200 to $500. Any further offenses are a fine of $500.

Maine alcohol laws also prohibit operating or attempting to operate a vessel under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or with a BAC of 0.08 or higher. Persons under the influence of alcohol are not permitted to possess firearms in bars and restaurants.

Dry counties in Maine

Maine has 16 counties, and while none of them are dry, the state does have around 40 dry towns. These include:

• Codeyville Plantation
• Elliotsville Plantation
• Grand Falls Plantation
• Long Island Plantation
• Sweden
• Machiasport
• Charleston

In Maine, localities such as counties and towns can choose to vote to go dry or place some restrictions on alcohol, making them partially dry. This means that while alcohol can be purchased in Maine, there are certain areas where it is prohibited.

Maine's alcohol laws allow the purchase of beer, wine, and liquor from grocery stores, bars, restaurants, and brewpubs from 5 a.m. until 1 a.m. every day. The minimum drinking age in the state is 21, and it is illegal for those under 21 to buy alcohol or be in possession of it in public. Minors may consume alcohol only in private residences with parental or guardian supervision.

Frequently asked questions