Now just how do I post this question.... (Eastport: for sale, real estate)

[dano04631]

....without looking like an alcoholic

In PA we have a really strange set up. The state is the sole retailer of wine and spirits. You can buy beer and "malt beverages" by the case at "beer distributers". You can also get beer and "malt beverages" by the 6-pack some deli's and sandwich shops. Until recently, you could only purchase 6-packs on Sundays, no other alcohol at all.

So what's the deal in Maine? Are there different outlets for different types of alcohol? Can I get a case of beer or a bottle of wine in a grocery? Where would I buy spirits?

[dmyankee]

Liquor is run by the State and they decide who to grant licenses to, in order to sell the spirits. They are the authorized retailers. There may be more than one in town, or you might have to travel to a town that does. You must purchase through authorized wholesalers, for retail.

Almost any establishment, dependent on local regulation, can sell beer and wine. They are available at most stores and gas stations, 24/7, except for about 8 hours Sunday morning. Once again, you must purchase through authorized wholesalers for sale on the retail level.

[Maineah]

Most big supermarkets have a liquor license. Bars serve until about 12:45 AM. All on premise liquor has to be consumed by 1:00 AM. There are some discount beverage places that sell beer and wine for less than the retailers. Unfortunately Maine clings to a 1920's attitude regarding the distribution of wine and beer so we pay an unnecessary mark up to middle men distributors. This arcane law also prohibits people from buying wine cheaply by the case at online outlets. A six pack of Maine made beer is around $10.00 in a Mom and Pops store,$8.00 at a Supermarket or discount beverage place.
Without all the taxes and middleman markups it should sell for about half of that.
A good Champagne for instance (Moet et Chandon White Star) will cost you around $40.00 in a supermarket here in Maine. If you could legally buy it online here it would cost you about $22.00 a bottle.

[Northern Maine Land Man]

On your way from PA to Maine just stop at the NH liquor store and get what you need. You'll save a lot of money.

[msina]

While you're at the NH liqour store, pick up cigarettes (if ya happen to smoke), it's a heckuva lot less expensive.

[Maine Writer]

We're so pro alcohol we sell booze at the drug store!

[mollysmiles]

lol!! that's funny MW when you say it like that!!

[corgis]

The local IGA here in Eastport has a liquor section.

[dano04631]

Real estate - check
Heating - check
Booze - check

I have all the info I need - time to move

[Maineah]

Originally Posted by Maine Writer

We're so pro alcohol we sell booze at the drug store!

They actually refer to this in medicinal terms as Self Medicating!!