Maine 2025-2026 Regular Session

Maine House Bill LD1855

Introduced
4/30/25  
Refer
4/30/25  
Refer
4/30/25  
Engrossed
5/28/25  

Caption

An Act to Repeal the Low-alcohol Spirits Product Tax

Impact

The proposed bill could significantly affect state laws surrounding alcohol taxation and distribution. By including a defined tax rate specifically for spirits-based cocktails, LD1855 could enhance state revenues from alcohol taxes. Additionally, this bill may prompt adjustments in pricing for consumers, as manufacturers will likely pass on the costs associated with the new tax. The bill's intent is to streamline the tax structure for alcoholic beverages while ensuring compliance from local producers and importers.

Summary

LD1855 aims to impose a specific excise tax of 60ยข per gallon on spirits-based cocktails containing no more than 12 percent alcohol by volume. The legislation is designed to regulate the manufacturing and sale of these beverages within the state and is a part of broader efforts to generate revenue from alcohol sales. By establishing a clear tax rate for these specific products, the bill seeks to create parity within the state's alcohol taxation framework, ensuring that spirits-based cocktails are appropriately taxed similar to other alcoholic beverages.

Sentiment

Legislative discussions surrounding LD1855 have been largely supportive among proponents who argue that a structured tax on spirits-based cocktails can promote responsible consumption and generate necessary state revenue. However, some stakeholders have expressed concerns about the potential impact of increased prices on consumers and how this may affect sales volumes. Overall, the bill appears to be endorsed by those seeking to rationalize alcohol taxation in the state, though it also faces scrutiny over socio-economic implications.

Contention

Notable points of contention include concerns from certain industry representatives regarding potential economic impacts, including effects on local businesses and consumer behavior. Critics may argue that any increase in taxes on alcoholic beverages can deter consumption and affect businesses dependent on these sales. The debate also reflects broader tensions in state policy regarding alcohol regulation, taxation, and public health considerations.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ME LD1073

An Act to Streamline Label Registrations for Malt Liquor, Wine, Hard Cider and Low-alcohol Spirits

ME LD1695

An Act to Provide for the Direct Shipment of Spirits to Consumers

ME LD1132

An Act Regarding the Provision of Liquor at Taste-testing Events Held at an Off-premises Retail Licensee's Premises

ME LD2010

An Act to Correct Inconsistencies, Conflicts and Errors in the Laws of Maine

ME LD2014

An Act Regarding Spirits Price Review and Recommendations

ME LD2148

An Act to Expand Direct Shipment Reporting and to Allow for the Use of Fulfillment Providers for the Direct Shipment of Wine

ME LD1808

An Act to Amend the State Tax Laws

ME LD40

An Act to Protect Liberty and Advance Justice in the Administration and Enforcement of the Cannabis Legalization Act and the Maine Medical Use of Cannabis Act

ME LD201

An Act to Make Permanent the Ability of Certain Retailers and Distilleries to Sell Liquor for Off-premises Consumption and Cocktails for On-premises Consumption

ME LD740

An Act to Clarify the Criteria for State Approval of Alcoholic Beverage Container Labels

Similar Bills

NC H921

ABC & Gaming Omnibus Bill

NY A06931

Authorizes holders of certain licenses issued by the state liquor authority for consumption off premises to engage in the sale and/or wholesale of ready-to-drink cocktails; provides that such provisions relating to the direct sale of RTD cocktails shall only apply within the city of New York; provides for the taxation of ready-to-drink cocktails.

NY S06703

Authorizes holders of certain licenses issued by the state liquor authority for consumption off premises to engage in the sale and/or wholesale of ready-to-drink cocktails; provides that such provisions relating to the direct sale of RTD cocktails shall only apply within the city of New York; provides for the taxation of ready-to-drink cocktails.

NH HB407

Relative to regulations on alcohol.

PA SB688

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in Pennsylvania Liquor Stores, further providing for sales by Pennsylvania Liquor Stores; in licenses and regulations relating to liquor, alcohol and malt and brewed beverages, further providing for liquor importers' licenses, fees, privileges and restrictions, providing for ready-to-drink cocktail permit and for authority to acquire ready-to-drink cocktail permits and further providing for distributors' and importing distributors' restrictions on sales, storage, etc, for unlawful acts relative to malt or brewed beverages and licensees, for unlawful acts relative to liquor, malt and brewed beverages and licensees; and, in distilleries, wineries, bonded warehouses, bailees for hire and transporters for hire, further providing for limited distilleries and distilleries.

MD HB663

Alcoholic Beverage Tax - Ready-to-Drink Cocktails

OK SB809

Alcoholic beverages; allowing certain licensee to participate in curbside pickup or delivery of sealed alcoholic beverages. Effective date.

OK SB809

Alcoholic beverages; allowing certain licensee to participate in curbside pickup or delivery of sealed alcoholic beverages. Effective date.