How to get a Liquor License in Maine?

To obtain a liquor license in the state of Maine, you must go through the Division of Liquor Licensing and Enforcement. The process involves obtaining and completing the necessary application forms, getting approval from the municipality or county where your business will be located, submitting the application with the appropriate fee, and undergoing a review process that includes a background investigation and an inspection of the proposed premises. The Division also monitors all licensed premises for compliance with Maine liquor laws.

1. Obtain Application Forms and Information

• Purpose: To start the process of obtaining a liquor license, you need to get the necessary application forms and information.
• Instructions: All the License and Permit Application Forms are available online on the Maine government website. You can also contact the Division of Liquor Licensing and Enforcement at (207) 624-7220 or by email at MaineLiquor@maine.gov to request application materials or get additional information.

2. Complete Application

• Purpose: To apply for a liquor license, you need to complete the application form and get approval from the municipality or county where your business will be located.
• Estimated Cost: $10.00.
• Instructions: For an On-Premise License (bar, restaurant, hotel, etc.), the municipality (or in the case of an unorganized township, the county) where your business will be located must approve your application. The municipality or county may hold a public hearing on whether to grant or deny your application. A $10.00 application fee must accompany your application to the Division.

3. Submit Application

• Purpose: To officially apply for a liquor license, you need to submit your completed application along with the appropriate fee to the Division.
• Instructions: Submit your application to the Division together with a check for the appropriate application fee. Failure to submit the application fee will result in the rejection of the application and ultimately delay you in starting your business.

4. Review and Acceptance of Application

• Purpose: To ensure that you meet all the requirements for a liquor license, the Division will review your application and conduct a background investigation and an inspection of the proposed premises.
• Instructions: Once your completed application is received with proper filing order together with the correct filing fee, the Division will process your application. The processing of liquor applications may include a background investigation on the applicant by the Division and will include an inspection of the proposed premises. An official with the Division will contact you to set up a date and time for an inspection of the premises.

Useful Information Source Links

• Getting Licensed
• License and Permit Applications
• Direct Shippers Licenses
• Certified Training Programs
• Liquor License Search
• Liquor Licensing and Agency Liquor Store Hearings
• Local Option Votes for the Sale and Service of Alcohol by Municipality

FAQs

• What is the cost of applying for a liquor license in Maine? The application fee for a liquor license in Maine is $10.00.
• Who approves the liquor license application in Maine? The municipality or county where your business will be located must approve your application.
• What happens after I submit my liquor license application in Maine? Once your completed application is received with the correct filing fee, the Division will process your application. This may include a background investigation on the applicant by the Division and an inspection of the proposed premises.
• What happens if I fail to submit the application fee for a liquor license in Maine? Failure to submit the application fee will result in the rejection of the application and ultimately delay you in starting your business.
• How can I check the status of my liquor license application in Maine? You can check the status of your liquor license application through the “Liquor License Search” tool on the Maine government website.

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