Legislature enacts Sen. Luchini bill to support Maine theaters
AUGUSTA – On Wednesday, the Maine Legislature enacted a bill from Sen. Louie Luchini, D-Ellsworth, to support Maine theaters and performing arts centers. An amended version of LD 1620, “An Act To Support Maine Theaters by Expanding Eligibility for Off-premises Catering Licenses,” would allow auditoriums, civic auditoriums and performing arts centers to sell alcohol at off-premises events.
“Mainers and those who visit get so much enjoyment from our theaters and performing arts venues, and each venue is a business that’s really suffered during the past 14 months. By allowing these venues to move more of their business outdoors, we can help them reopen safely and get back on their feet so that we can enjoy them this summer,” said Sen. Luchini. “I’m glad my colleagues see the value in helping out these hard-hit businesses by making this safe and simple change.”
The bill would allow auditoriums, civic auditoriums and performing arts centers that are currently licensed to sell spirits, wine and malt liquor to also cater or sell alcohol at off-premises planned events or gatherings. This privilege is currently only allowed for hotels, bed and breakfasts, restaurants, lounges and clubs. Under current law, theaters are required to hire a third party to sell alcohol off-premises, adding risk and expense. An amendment to the bill adds an emergency preamble, meaning that with two-thirds support of the Legislature, the changes will go into effect in time to help performance venues this summer.
Maine’s theaters have been hit hard during the pandemic. During the public hearing on LD 1620, Lauren Wayne, general manager of the State Theatre in Portland, and Nick Turner of The Grand theater in Ellsworth, testified in favor of the bill. Both testified that their venues had lost about 98 percent of their revenue in the past year due to the pandemic.
LD 1620 now goes to Gov. Janet Mills, who has 10 days to sign the bill into law, veto it or allow it to become law without her signature. As an emergency measure, LD 1620 would take effect immediately upon becoming law.
