CHAPTER 206

H.P. 415 - L.D. 560

Resolve, Directing the Department of Public Safety To Study

the Issues of Alcohol Regulation and To Review the Impact

of Out-of-state Sales and Direct Distribution to Maine

Consumers

Sec. 1. Liquor Licensing and Tax Division to study the issues of alcohol regulation. Resolved: That the Liquor Licensing and Tax Division within the Department of Public Safety shall examine all issues of alcohol regulation, including, but not limited to, the issues of out-of- state sales and direct distribution to consumers in the State and the issues of current law that bypass the national 3-tier alcohol distribution system and the impact on the State. The Liquor Licensing and Tax Division shall meet with the interested stakeholders, which must include, but may not be limited to, retailers; local law enforcement; alcohol distributors; manufacturers, both in-state and out-of-state; substance abuse and treatment professionals; and other interested parties to review the alcohol laws and policies of the State and determine whether the laws and policies satisfy the intended public policy goals of preventing youth access to alcohol; proper oversight and collection of taxes and state revenues; and adequate licensing and enforcement. In addition, the review must consider the pending lawsuit, Cherry Hill Vineyard vs. State of Maine, and the issues identified in this matter; and be it further

Sec. 2. Reporting date established. Resolved: That the Liquor Licensing and Tax Division within the Department of Public Safety shall report the findings under section 1, including proposals for legislation, to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over alcoholic beverage matters by January 30, 2007.