The distilled spirits industry plays an essential role in Maine’s economy, supporting 6,300 jobs and generating more than $680 million in state economic activity each year.

A new report from the Distilled Spirits Council has found that consumers increasingly prefer spirits-based ready-to-drink beverages to malt- or wine-based alternatives, and consumers want greater access to these products, including in grocery and convenience stores.

Unfortunately, in Maine, consumer access to spirits-based ready-to-drink beverages with 8% to 15% alcohol-by-volume or more has been restricted by outdated laws that prohibit sales of these products outside of agency liquor stores, even if those beverages have the same or lower alcohol-by-volume than malt- and wine-based ready-to-drink beverages that are widely available.

Providing retailers the ability to sell spirits-based ready-to-drink beverages with with 8% to 15% alcohol-by-volume alongside similar products in Maine would support local craft distillers, bolster the state’s hospitality industry and generate additional tax revenue for the state. Maine lawmakers should take note and modernize outdated laws that unfairly penalize consumers and small businesses.

Jay Hibbard
vice president of government relations, Distilled Spirits Council of the United States
Windham