124th MAINE LEGISLATURE
		LD 498		LR 341(02)
	An Act Regarding Alcoholic Beverage Tastings
	Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment "   "
	Committee: Legal and Veterans Affairs
	Fiscal Note Required: Yes
Fiscal Note
			2009-10	2010-11	Projections 2011-12	Projections 2012-13
Net Cost (Savings)
	General Fund		$93,856	$71,652	$73,711	$75,834
Appropriations/Allocations
	General Fund		$93,856	$71,652	$73,711	$75,834
Fiscal Detail and Notes
	The bill includes a General Fund appropriation to the Department of Public Safety of $93,856 in fiscal year 2009-10 and $71,652 in fiscal year 2010-11 for a Public Safety Inspector II position and related administrative costs to handle increased activity of tastings.  The bill allows the 340 agency liquor stores to hold wine, spirits and malt liquor tastings, and allows retail stores to hold malt liquor tastings.  It is assumed that 300 of the agency stores will participate and another 100 retail stores will hold malt liquor tastings.  The position would inspect the area where the tastings are held and ensure compliance of the establishments.  It is also assumed that consumers who participate in these events may make different choices in alcoholic purchases, as opposed to purchasing additional products.  Therefore, no additional excise tax is expected.