Maine Laws
For Teens: Illegal Possession
It is a civil violation* for any person under the age of 21 to possess liquor or imitation liquor except if it is within the scope of their employment or in their home in the presence of their parent. Fines for illegal possession are as follows:
- 1st Offense $200 to $400
- 2nd Offense $300 to $600
- 3rd or Subsequent Offenses $600
* Youths 17 years or younger are charged with the juvenile crime of illegal possession.
Illegal Transportation of Liquor
No person under the age of 21 shall transport alcoholic beverages in a motor vehicle except in the scope of their employment or at the request of their parent. The penalties for illegal transportation are:
- 1st Offense 30 day license suspension and a fine of no more than $500;
- 2nd Offense 90 day license suspension and a fine of not less than $200 and
no more than 500; and
- 3rd Offense One year license suspension and a fine of not less than $400
and no more than 500.
The Teen OUI Law (Zero Tolerance)
Any motor vehicle operator under 21 who operates or attempts to operate a motor vehicle with any alcohol in their blood* shall have their license suspended by the Secretary of State for one year. If they have a passenger under 21, an additional 180-day suspension will be imposed. Refusal to be tested will result in suspension of their operator's license for at least 18 months.
* Minors who test .08 percent or more are charged with the criminal offense of Operating Under the Influence, which results in even greater consequences.
For Parents
Furnishing Liquor or Imitation Liquor to a Minor
It is a criminal offense for any person, adult or minor, to furnish liquor or
imitation liquor to a minor, or allow a minor under that person's control,
or in any place under that person's control, to possess or consume liquor or
imitation liquor. This offense may result in fines from $500 to $2,000 and/or
a jail sentence from 6-12 months. If an injury or death occurs, the person
responsible for furnishing the alcohol may be charged with a felony.
Maine Liquor Liability Act
The Maine Liquor Liability Act was established to provide a legal basis for obtaining
compensation for damages as a result of intoxication and related incidents. A
non-licensed, social host (any person who does not hold a Maine Liquor License)
can be sued for negligent or reckless conduct under this law.
By definition, negligent conduct is the providing of liquor to a minor or visibly
intoxicated person, if the defendant knows or a reasonable and prudent person
should have known the person being served is a minor or is visibly intoxicated.
Reckless conduct is the intentional serving of liquor to a person when the server
knows the person being served is a minor, or visibly intoxicated, and the defendant
consciously disregards an obvious and substantial risk that serving liquor to
that person will cause physical harm to the drinker or to others.
Financial Implications
Damages may be awarded for property damage, bodily injury, or death caused by
the consumption of liquor served by the defendant. The limit on awards is $250,000
plus medical expenses. (no limit)
Because providing alcohol to a minor or to a visibly intoxicated person is a
violation of law, your homeowner's insurance will not protect you in the case
of such a lawsuit.
