Sen. Luchini bill to support Maine theaters receives unanimous, bipartisan approval in committee

AUGUSTA – On Wednesday, a bill from Sen. Louie Luchini, D-Ellsworth, to support Maine theaters and performing arts centers by allowing them to sell alcohol at off-premises events was approved by the Legislature’s Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee. An amended version of LD 1620, “An Act To Support Maine Theaters by Expanding Eligibility for Off-premises Catering Licenses,” received unanimous, bipartisan support from committee members.

“Maine’s theaters and performing arts centers contribute so much to our communities. Sadly, their industry has been hit hardest by the pandemic,” said Sen. Luchini. “This bill will help theater venues reopen by expanding their offerings outdoors, providing opportunities to our theaters and performing artists, while providing much desired entertainment to Maine people and visitors.”

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 additional 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.

“I fully support expanding the eligibility for off-premises catering licenses to include auditoriums, civic auditoriums, and performing arts centers, as these types of license holders are normally the venues and entities who have the most experience safe-serving large capacity crowds,” said Lauren Wayne, general manager of the State Theatre in Portland. “I fully believe that this is the best thing possible for our businesses to survive, and most importantly, it’s for the safety of our employees and our fans.”

The State Theater has suffered a 98 percent revenue loss since it closed in March 2020 due to the pandemic.

“Not only will this provide much needed revenue opportunities for us … it’s really investing in how arts organizations can support themselves in the future,” said Nick Turner of The Grand theater in Ellsworth, which suffered similar losses during the pandemic.

LD 1620 now faces votes in the Senate and the House.