Bartending School
MILLINOCKET, ME 04462

As you will see bartending is more than just memorizing a few drink recipes...

Maine Liquor Licensing and Compliance

164 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333
Phone: 207-624-7220
URL: https://maine.gov/dafs/bablo/active_liquor

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ME Legal Age to Consume: 21
ME Legal Age to Serve: 17
ME Legal Age to Pour: 17

Alcohol Server Training Law Voluntary The state does not require alcohol server training but there may be perks for going through approved alcohol server training. Connecticut accepts TIPS certification as an approved alcohol server training provider. Some employers may require TIPS certification due to past trouble with their liquor license or as a precautionary measure so that you know how to obey the law. Approved TIPS Programs Classroom: On-Premise, Off-Premise, Concessions, and Gaming Online: TIPS is valid for certification Requirements The Commissioner of Consumer Protection may require proof of completion of the program. While the legal age is 17, some employers might have their own policies and require bartenders to be 18 or 21. It's always best to check with the specific establishment you're interested in working for.

Additional Info: Maine's Dram Shop Law follows a model where establishments can be held liable for serving alcohol to intoxicated patrons who cause harm. Here's a breakdown of the key points: * **Seller Liability:** Maine Revised Statutes Title 29 § 1101 outlines Dram Shop liability in Maine. * This law allows lawsuits against businesses that sell or serve alcoholic beverages to people who are **visibly intoxicated** and who then cause injury or death to themselves or others due to that intoxication. * **Visible Intoxication:** Similar to other states, the law hinges on proving the establishment served alcohol to a patron who exhibited clear signs of intoxication. This could include slurred speech, difficulty walking, or incoherent behavior. * **Harm Caused:** The intoxicated person must cause harm to themselves or others (such as a DUI accident or violent behavior) for Dram Shop Law to be applicable. **Social Host Liability:** * Maine's Dram Shop Law applies primarily to licensed vendors of alcohol. There is no general social host liability for providing alcohol to adults at private gatherings. However, social hosts could be liable in specific situations, such as knowingly serving alcohol to minors. Here's a table summarizing the key points: | Scenario | Liability under Maine Dram Shop Law | |---|---| | Bar serves alcohol to a visibly intoxicated patron who causes a DUI accident | Potentially Yes | | Restaurant serves multiple drinks to someone who gets in a fight with another patron | Potentially Yes | | Person provides alcohol at a party to a friend who is visibly intoxicated and later drives home and crashes | Not Likely (unless the friend is underage or there are exceptional circumstances) | **Important to Note:** * Dram Shop cases can be complex. The specific circumstances, evidence available, and the level of intoxication will all play a role in determining liability. * Consulting with an attorney specializing in personal injury or Dram Shop Law is recommended if you believe you have a case under Maine's Dram Shop Law. They can evaluate your situation and advise you on the legal options. Here are some resources for further information: * Maine Revised Statutes Title 29 § 1101: [https://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/28-A/title28-Ach100.pdf](https://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/28-A/title28-Ach100.pdf) * Dram Shop Laws in Maine: [https://www.maineinjurylawyerblog.com/understanding-the-maine-liquor-liability-act/](https://www.maineinjurylawyerblog.com/understanding-the-maine-liquor-liability-act/)

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