An Act Regarding Liquor Licenses for Qualified Catering Services

Emergency preamble. Whereas,  acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas,  current law requires clarification with regard to licenses for qualified caterers who own freestanding event halls; and

Whereas,  opportunities for business expansion and employment opportunities are hampered by this need for clarification; and

Whereas,  in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Sec. 1. 28-A MRSA §1076, sub-§1-A  is enacted to read:

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.

summary

This bill specifies that a qualified catering service that is eligible for a liquor license may host up to 12 events per year at a facility owned by the catering service and serve alcoholic beverages to be consumed on the premises.