Alfond’s measure to improve tasting events draws small businesses from across Maine

AUGUSTA – A measure to support small breweries across the state received strong support today at a public hearing before the Legislature’s Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee.

“Over the past several years, Maine’s brewing and distilling industry has been growing fast,” said President Justin Alfond, Democrat from Portland. “The industry has seen this incredible growth despite institutional and often outdated regulatory barriers.”

President Alfond’s bill would consolidate two tasting event licenses into one simplified license.

President Alfond added, “Brewers across Maine have told me that current licensing makes it difficult for them to hold tasting events in an efficient and effective manner. This measure will streamline the process and allow greater economic opportunity for our Maine breweries.”

Tasting events allow Maine producers to promote their products to a diverse customer base, meet their customers, and build brand loyalty. “Harvest on the Harbor” in Portland is one of the better known examples of a tasting.

“Maine has an incredible opportunity to reap the economic and touristic rewards of the Maine craft beer industry,” said Sean Sullivan, executive director of the Maine Brewers’ Guild. “But the legislature needs to be responsive to their needs to ensure continued success.”

In 2012, almost 3,500 Mainers were employed in these industries and the brewing industry alone had a $327.7 million impact on Maine’s economy. Maine went from 35 breweries in 2013 to 49 breweries in 2014, a 37% growth in the industry.

The Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee will hold a work session on L.D. 1637, “An Act To Amend the Laws Regarding Special Food and Beverage Taste-testing Event Licenses” in the coming weeks.