Sen. Luchini introduces bill to continue help for restaurants, bars hurt by pandemic

AUGUSTA — On Monday, Sen. Louis Luchini, D-Ellsworth, introduced LD 205, “An Act To Extend the Ability of Restaurants and Bars To Serve Alcohol To Go,” before the Legislature’s Committee on Veterans and Legal Affairs (VLA). LD 205 would extend regulatory provisions put in place to help restaurants and bars stay in operation throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Small businesses across Maine, especially bars and restaurants, went to great lengths to keep their workers and customers safe, while keeping their doors open. To help them, the state adjusted some of our regulations to reflect this new reality, including allowing for to-go purchases of alcohol,” said Sen. Luchini, who serves as senate chair of the VLA Committee. “I’ve heard from many business owners that this change helped them stay afloat. With the COVID-19 pandemic ongoing and recovery likely to take a while, it only makes sense to keep this provision.” 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, restaurants and bars have been allowed to sell alcohol to customers through take-out and delivery service if the liquor is accompanied by a food order. LD 205 extends this provision through April 15, 2022. The bill also temporarily permits licensed Maine distilleries and small distilleries that operate tasting rooms but that do not operate licensed on-premises retail establishments to sell spirits through take-out and delivery service unaccompanied by a food order.

LD 205 faces further action before the VLA Committee. As emergency legislation, the bill would take effect immediately upon becoming law.