Liquor law in Maine
In Maine, the legal drinking age is 21 years old.
Background
- Prior to 1987, the drinking age in Maine was 20 years old.
- In 1984, Congress passed the National Minimum Drinking Age Act, which required states to set a minimum drinking age of 21 or lose 10% of their federal highway funding.
- In response to this federal law, Maine raised the drinking age to 21 in 1987.
Penalties
- Anyone under the age of 21 who is caught drinking or in possession of alcohol can face penalties such as a fine, community service, and/or a suspension of their driver's license for up to one year.
- Adults who knowingly provide alcohol to minors in Maine can also face penalties, including fines and potential jail time.
Exceptions
- In Maine, there are a few exceptions to the minimum drinking age.
- It is legal for minors to consume alcohol on private property if they have the consent and supervision of their parent or legal guardian.
- Minors can also consume alcohol in the course of a religious ceremony or as part of their employment if they are at least 18 years old.
Enforcement
- The Maine Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages and Lottery Operations is responsible for enforcing the state's liquor laws.
- Law enforcement officers can perform random alcohol compliance checks on licensed establishments to ensure they are not serving alcohol to minors.
- If a licensed establishment is found to be serving alcohol to minors, they can face penalties such as fines, license suspension or revocation, and potential criminal charges.
In summary, the legal drinking age in Maine is 21 years old, with penalties for minors caught drinking or possessing alcohol and for adults who provide alcohol to minors. There are exceptions for minors consuming alcohol on private property with parental consent, in religious ceremonies, and as part of their employment. The Maine Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages and Lottery Operations is responsible for enforcing the state's liquor laws.
Driving and Alcohol Laws in Maine
Maine has strict laws regarding driving under the influence of alcohol. It is important for drivers to understand these laws to avoid legal consequences and ensure safety on the road.
Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Limits
In Maine, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. For drivers under the age of 21, a BAC of 0.02% or higher is considered illegal. Drivers with a commercial driver's license have a lower limit of 0.04%.
Penalties for DUI
Maine has harsh penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol. The severity of the penalty depends on the BAC of the driver and whether or not they have had prior DUI convictions. The penalties include:
- First Offense: A fine of up to $2,000, a license suspension of 150 days, and possible imprisonment for up to 1 year.
- Second Offense: A fine of up to $2,500, a license suspension of 3 years, and possible imprisonment for up to 3 years.
- Third Offense: A fine of up to $5,000, a license suspension of 6 years, and possible imprisonment for up to 5 years.
Implied Consent Law
In Maine, drivers are subject to the state's Implied Consent Law. This means that if a driver is pulled over for suspicion of DUI, they are required to take a breath, blood, or urine test to determine their BAC. Refusing to take the test could result in a license suspension of up to 6 years.
Open Container Laws
Maine has strict open container laws. It is illegal to drive with an open container of alcohol in the passenger area of a vehicle, regardless of whether or not the driver has consumed any alcohol.
Conclusion
Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offense in Maine. It is important for drivers to understand the laws and penalties to avoid legal consequences and ensure safety on the road. Remember to always drive sober and never drink and drive.
Blood Alcohol Concentration in Maine
| Body Weight | Number of Drinks | Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) |
|---|---|---|
| 100 lbs | 1 | 0.04% |
| 2 | 0.08% | |
| 3 | 0.11% | |
| 4 | 0.15% | |
| 5 | 0.19% | |
| 120 lbs | 1 | 0.03% |
| 2 | 0.06% | |
| 3 | 0.09% | |
| 4 | 0.12% | |
| 5 | 0.15% | |
| 140 lbs | 1 | 0.03% |
| 2 | 0.05% | |
| 3 | 0.08% | |
| 4 | 0.11% | |
| 5 | 0.13% | |
| 160 lbs | 1 | 0.02% |
| 2 | 0.05% | |
| 3 | 0.07% | |
| 4 | 0.09% | |
| 5 | 0.12% | |
| 180 lbs | 1 | 0.02% |
| 2 | 0.04% | |
| 3 | 0.06% | |
| 4 | 0.08% | |
| 5 | 0.11% | |
| 200 lbs | 1 | 0.02% |
| 2 | 0.04% | |
| 3 | 0.05% | |
| 4 | 0.07% | |
| 5 | 0.10% |
Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is the amount of alcohol present in a person's bloodstream. It is measured by the weight of the alcohol in a certain volume of blood. The legal limit for BAC in Maine for drivers over 21 years of age is 0.08%.
The table above shows the estimated BAC for males and females of different body weights after consuming a certain number of alcoholic drinks. It is important to note that these are estimates and actual BAC levels may vary due to factors such as individual metabolism, time spent drinking and food consumed.
It is recommended for adults in the USA to limit their alcohol consumption and to not drive after drinking. If you plan to drink, it is important to have a designated driver or consider using a ride-sharing service. Always remember to drink responsibly.
Open container law in Maine
Summary of Open Container Law in Maine
The open container law in Maine prohibits the consumption of alcoholic beverages in public spaces or in a motor vehicle. Here are the key points to keep in mind:
In Public Spaces
It is illegal to drink alcohol or possess an open container of alcohol in the following public spaces:
- Streets
- Sidewalks
- Public parks
- Beaches
- Parking lots
The only exception to this rule is during certain permitted events, such as festivals and concerts, where alcohol consumption is allowed in designated areas.
In a Motor Vehicle
It is illegal to drink alcohol or possess an open container of alcohol in the passenger area of a motor vehicle. However, passengers can drink alcohol in the living quarters of a motor home or in the designated area of a chartered bus.
Penalties
Violating Maine's open container law can result in fines and/or imprisonment. First-time offenders could face a fine of up to $500, while subsequent offenders could face imprisonment for up to six months.
Conclusion
Maine's open container law aims to ensure public safety and prevent drunk driving. By understanding the law, individuals can avoid legal consequences and protect themselves and others on the road.
Maine Liquor Sale Open Hours
| Location | Liquor Sale Open Hours |
|---|---|
| Portland | Monday-Saturday: 6:00am-1:00am, Sunday: 9:00am-1:00am |
| Bangor | Monday-Saturday: 6:00am-1:00am, Sunday: 9:00am-1:00am |
| Lewiston | Monday-Saturday: 6:00am-1:00am, Sunday: 9:00am-1:00am |
| Auburn | Monday-Saturday: 6:00am-1:00am, Sunday: 9:00am-1:00am |
| Biddeford | Monday-Saturday: 6:00am-12:00am, Sunday: 9:00am-12:00am |
| Augusta | Monday-Saturday: 6:00am-1:00am, Sunday: 9:00am-1:00am |
| Saco | Monday-Saturday: 6:00am-12:00am, Sunday: 9:00am-12:00am |
| Westbrook | Monday-Saturday: 6:00am-1:00am, Sunday: 9:00am-1:00am |
| Waterville | Monday-Saturday: 6:00am-1:00am, Sunday: 9:00am-1:00am |
| Brunswick | Monday-Saturday: 6:00am-1:00am, Sunday: 9:00am-1:00am |
| Sanford | Monday-Saturday: 6:00am-12:00am, Sunday: 9:00am-12:00am |
| Presque Isle | Monday-Saturday: 6:00am-1:00am, Sunday: 9:00am-1:00am |
| Bath | Monday-Saturday: 6:00am-1:00am, Sunday: 9:00am-1:00am |
| Belfast | Monday-Saturday: 6:00am-1:00am, Sunday: 9:00am-1:00am |
| Caribou | Monday-Saturday: 6:00am-1:00am, Sunday: 9:00am-1:00am |
| Gardiner | Monday-Saturday: 6:00am-1:00am, Sunday: 9:00am-1:00am |
| Hallowell | Monday-Saturday: 6:00am-1:00am, Sunday: 9:00am-1:00am |
| Old Town | Monday-Saturday: 6:00am-1:00am, Sunday: 9:00am-1:00am |
| Rockland | Monday-Saturday: 6:00am-1:00am, Sunday: 9:00am-1:00am |
| Auburn | Monday-Saturday: 6:00am-1:00am, Sunday: 9:00am-1:00am |
| Ellsworth | Monday-Saturday: 6:00am-1:00am, Sunday: 9:00am-1:00am |
| Bath | Monday-Saturday: 6:00am-1:00am, Sunday: 9:00am-1:00am |
| Augusta | Monday-Saturday: 6:00am-1:00am, Sunday: 9:00am-1:00am |
In Maine, the liquor sale open hours vary by location. The table above provides a list of liquor sale open hours for various cities in Maine. The hours listed are in Eastern Standard Time.
It is important to note that these hours are subject to change and certain municipalities may have additional restrictions on the sale of liquor. It is advisable to check with the specific location before making any plans to purchase liquor.
Additionally, it is important to remember that the legal drinking age in the United States is 21 years old. It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to purchase or consume alcohol.