The Maine House recently voted against LD 1754,  a bill that would have allowed direct-to-consumer shipping of distilled spirits. This decision is a missed opportunity for Maine to expand consumer choice, support local distilleries and boost Maine’s economy. 

Maine’s Current Liquor Distribution

Maine allows direct shipment of wine both in-state and out-of-state to consumers, but not spirits. This is unfair to distilleries and consumers. These restrictive regulations make it hard for local distilleries to sell directly to consumers, forcing Mainers to drive to a distillery if their preferred product can’t be found on the shelves of their local agency liquor store. The Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages and Lottery Operations (BABLO) also makes it hard to attain liquor through its state-managed warehouse system that handles storage and delivery of spirits to liquor stores. 

Empowering Consumer Choice

Maine’s restrictive liquor laws limit consumer choice because they deny adult consumers the freedom to purchase from a wide variety of distilled spirits and have them shipped directly to their homes. 

There are nearly 20 craft distilleries in Maine. LD 1754 would have encouraged Mainers to discover unique, local brands like Wiggly Bridge Distilling’s small barrel bourbon or Tree Spirit’s maple flavored vodka. The current state regulations managed by BABLO make it difficult for these products to reach agency stores, especially in rural areas. 

Sixty percent of Mainers live in rural communities, which means long drives to the liquor store. LD 1754 would have removed these barriers for rural Mainers who may not have easy access to liquor stores. 

A 2024 report by Sovos and the American Craft Spirits Association found that 87% of consumers prefer to have the option to purchase directly from distilleries in order to buy small-batch products that are not found in most retail liquor stores.  

Without LD 1754, Mainers will remain limited in their liquor options when adults should have the right to purchase from a variety of distilled spirits and have them delivered to their homes.  

Economic Impact and Tourism 

From a free-market perspective, LD 1754 would benefit Maine’s tourism industry and motivate more local production.  

Maine’s economy is reliant on its tourism industry that peaks from June to August – an incredibly small window. Last summer’s tourist season brought in over 7 million tourists and $5.15 billion dollars of direct spending. Small businesses must operate within this small window of opportunity in order to contribute to the tourism industry and turn a profit.

Maine’s craft distilleries are a part of the tourist experience. Permitting direct-to-consumer purchases would bring more economic opportunity for small distilleries to connect with tourists beyond the season, boosting distillery sales through post-visit orders. 

Reducing shipment barriers would let Maine distilleries compete with neighboring states like Vermont and New Hampshire which permit the direct-to-consumer model and have demonstrated that it is possible to both follow safety regulations while generating additional revenue for small distilleries and the state’s economy as a whole.

Maine: A Small Business State 

There is a reason why millions of people visit Maine every summer: its uniqueness is showcased through small businesses. 

Distilleries deserve to be recognized for their unique products; and consumers deserve freedom of choice. But this can’t be accomplished with heavy government regulations. 

By the next legislature, lawmakers need to realize Maine’s economy relies on its small businesses – like distilleries – and give them the ability to ship directly to consumers. This change would not only improve Maine’s economy, but bring our state back to the principles of free markets and individuality.