Maine lawmakers hope to fix beer tasting law

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) - Maine legislators are hoping to fix a new law that was designed to help boutique beer and liquor stores.

Instead, an effort to keep children from having to witness adults drinking the alcoholic beverages has had the unintended consequence of making it difficult for the stores to hold the tastings.

The last-minute amendment said the events "must be conducted in a manner that precludes the possibility of observation by children." The new law took effect Sept. 12.

Leslie Thistle of Bangor Wine and Cheese tells the Bangor Daily News that during her monthly tastings she has had to cover her front and back windows with black and drape a sheet across the storefront windows.

She calls the law ludicrous.

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Information from: Bangor Daily News, http://www.bangornews.com