APPROVED CHAPTER
MAY 3, 2022 175
BY GOVERNOR RESOLVES
STATE OF MAINE
_____
IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD
TWO THOUSAND TWENTY-TWO
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S.P. 444 - L.D. 1358
Resolve, Directing the Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages and Lottery Operations
To Evaluate Direct-to-consumer Wine and Spirits Sales
Sec. 1. Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages and Lottery Operations review.
Resolved: That the Department of Administrative and Financial Services, Bureau of
Alcoholic Beverages and Lottery Operations shall review and evaluate the direct shipment
of wine to consumers in the State under current law, identifying potential areas of concern
including, but not limited to, evaluating the impact to the State of exempting direct-shipped
wine from the State’s beverage container law. The bureau shall further review the relevant
laws and procedures in each state that authorizes spirits manufacturers to sell and ship
spirits directly to consumers in that state. In conducting these reviews, the bureau shall
consult with stakeholders affected by the direct shipment of wine and spirits to consumers
in the State including, but not limited to, licensed wineries and small wineries; licensed
distilleries and small distilleries; retailers licensed to sell wine and spirits for off-premises
consumption; wholesale licensees licensed to sell wine; and bottle redemption centers.
Sec. 2. Report. Resolved: That the Department of Administrative and Financial
Services, Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages and Lottery Operations shall, by February 15,
2023, submit a report to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction
over alcoholic beverages matters summarizing its findings under section 1 and
recommendations related to the direct shipment of wine to consumers in the State, the
feasibility of allowing in-state and out-of-state spirits manufacturers to sell and ship spirits
directly to consumers in the State and the impact that direct-to-consumer spirits sales may
have on consumer spirits choice and state revenues. The joint standing committee of the
Legislature having jurisdiction over alcoholic beverages matters may report out legislation
based upon the report to the 131st Legislature in 2023.
Sec. 3. Transfer from Liquor Operation Revenue Fund. Resolved: That,
notwithstanding the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 30-A, section 6054, subsection 4, or any
other provision of law to the contrary, and in addition to any amount authorized by law to
be transferred in fiscal year 2022-23, the Maine Municipal Bond Bank shall transfer
$100,000 on or before June 30, 2023 from the Liquor Operation Revenue Fund, established
in Title 30-A, section 6054, subsection 1, to the unappropriated surplus of the General
Fund.
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 Sec. 4. Appropriations and allocations. Resolved: That the following
appropriations and allocations are made.
ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF
Alcoholic Beverages - General Operation 0015
Initiative: Provides one-time funding for contracted services to complete a study regarding
the direct shipment of wine and spirits to customers.
GENERAL FUND 2021-22 2022-23
All Other $0 $100,000
__________ __________
GENERAL FUND TOTAL $0 $100,000
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Statutes affected:
Bill Text LD 1358, SP 444: 28-A.1381, 28-A.2073, 28-A.2075