Can you buy liquor on Sunday in Maine?

Answered by Matthew Yawn

Can you buy liquor on Sunday in Maine?

You can buy liquor on Sundays in Maine. However, this was not always the case. In the past, sales were prohibited until 9 a.m. on Sundays, which meant that if you wanted to purchase alcohol before that time, you were out of luck. This restriction was in place for many years, but in recent times, the law has undergone some changes to allow for earlier alcohol sales on Sundays.

In 2013, an exception was made to the Sunday alcohol sales restriction to accommodate for St. Patrick's Day falling on a Sunday. This exception allowed for alcohol sales to begin at 6 a.m. on that specific Sunday. This change was likely made to allow people to celebrate the holiday without having to wait until later in the day to purchase alcohol.

Then, in 2015, the legislature revised the law once again to allow for alcohol sales on any Sunday starting at 5 a.m., the same as every other day of the week. This change was likely made to provide consistency and convenience for consumers who may want to purchase alcohol early on Sundays for various reasons.

The decision to allow earlier alcohol sales on Sundays was likely influenced by the changing attitudes towards alcohol consumption and the recognition that many people may want to purchase alcohol earlier in the day for different occasions or personal preferences. It also reflects the evolving nature of societal norms and the recognition that individuals should have the freedom to purchase alcohol at times that are convenient for them.

Personally, as a sommelier and brewer, I have encountered situations where customers have expressed frustration over the previous restrictions on Sunday alcohol sales. There have been times when customers have come into the restaurant or brewery where I work, hoping to purchase alcohol early on a Sunday morning, only to be informed that they had to wait until 9 a.m. This limitation could be particularly inconvenient for individuals who wanted to buy alcohol for brunch or early morning gatherings.

The change in the law to allow for earlier Sunday alcohol sales has been welcomed by many consumers, as it provides them with greater flexibility and convenience. It allows individuals to plan their purchases according to their own schedules and preferences, rather than being restricted by outdated regulations.

You can buy liquor on Sundays in Maine. The law has evolved over time to allow for earlier alcohol sales on Sundays, starting at 6 a.m. for St. Patrick's Day and later revised to 5 a.m. for all Sundays. This change reflects the changing attitudes towards alcohol consumption and the recognition of individuals' desire for convenience and flexibility in their purchasing options.