AUGUSTA - The Maine Legislature's Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee gave bipartisan support on Wednesday for LD 1914, a bill that would allow small retail businesses with at least two locations to transfer wine between their stores more easily. The proposal is sponsored by Rep. Edward Crockett, D-Portland.
The legislation was inspired by Rosemont Market & Bakery, a small business with eight locations servicing the Greater Portland area. LD 1914 allows similarly-owned, licensed, off-premise retailers of wine to transfer wine products, either by the case or by the bottle, from one of its retail locations to its other locations.
"Throughout the pandemic, our small businesses in Maine have faced difficulties due to supply chain challenges," said Crockett. "Today, moving wine products internally is not allowed in Maine. As someone who works in the food and beverage industry, I understand the frustrations felt by businesses facing this issue. Ultimately, this bill will help small retailers like Rosemont, who already transfer goods between its stores, to compete with bigger box stores that are able to purchase higher quantities of wine products, and make them more readily available for their customers."
The bill will face additional votes in the House and Senate in the coming weeks.
Crockett, who is serving his second term in the Maine House, represents portions of Portland and Falmouth. He serves on the Legislatures Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [Crockett], c. 812-1111