Senate gives initial approval for Deschambault bill to boost restaurant industry

AUGUSTA — The Maine Senate unanimously approved a bill by Sen. Susan Deschambault, D-Biddeford, to allow restaurants to expand and sell alcohol to customers in non-contiguous spaces on Thursday.

LD 1738, “An Act To Permit the Sale and Consumption of Alcohol in an Area That Is Not Contiguous to Licensed Premises,” allows restaurants to seek municipal approval to extend the definition of premises and expand their capacity by adding serving sections that aren’t directly connected to the restaurant itself.

“Everyone wants to be outside during Maine’s beautiful summer months, including our restaurants. I am excited about what this legislation means for our restaurants that want to serve food and drink in outdoor locations near but not directly attached to their brick-and-mortar location,” said Sen. Deschambault. “This legislation has significant economic implications for our communities and I am glad my colleagues in the Senate have joined me in support of this bill.”

Current law limits the serving of alcohol from a restaurant to seating in a non-contiguous spaces that is separated by public property. For example, servers cannot carry alcohol from a restaurant to tables outside if they are separated by a public sidewalk. LD 1738 would give municipalities the option of rectifying this issue.

Maine’s restaurant industry is heavily affected by the state’s seasonal economy, with the high-demand of summer months balancing out the lower-demands of the winter months. Outdoor spaces, like patios, allow restaurants to hire more staff and serve more customers during the height of their busy season.

LD 1738 faces further action in the House and Senate.

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