MAINE LIQUOR LIABILITY LAWS

Here are some facts to help you understand the Maine Liquor and Liability Laws, which contain some potentially significant life consequences:

VIOLATION                                                              POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCE

Illegal Possession

You must be 21 years of age or older                            A fine of up to $500

to possess liquor or imitation liquor.

Illegal Transportation                                               

No person under the age of 21 shall transport                Up to one year of driver’s license

alcoholic beverages in a motor vehicle.                          suspension and up to a $400 fine

Teen OUI Law

No driver under the age of 21 may operate                   Loss of license for at least one year

a motor vehicle with ANY alcohol in

their bloodstream.

Furnishing Liquor to a Minor                                   

It is against the law to provide alcohol to                       Up to a $1000 fine, and up to one

a minor, or to provide a place for a minor                      year in jail if the minor experiences

to consume alcohol, such as a residence                        serious bodily harm related to the

or an automobile.                                                          alcohol use

Giving False Written or Oral Information

It is unlawful to give a licensee false written                    Suspension of driver’s license for

or oral evidence of age to attempt to purchase               up to one year, and a fine of up

liquor or gain entrance into a licensed                            to $600; automobile insurance

establishment where minors are not allowed.                  rates may also increase

An example of this would be using a fake ID.

Drinking in Public

It is illegal to drink or possess an open                           Fines of up to $1000 and up to

container of alcohol in any public place after                  six months in jail; this will also

being warned by a law enforcement officer.                   appear on your criminal record

A “No Public Drinking” sign posted in

the area counts as your warning.