Wanted: More liquor stores.

The state Bureau of Liquor Licensing is soliciting applications for new agency stores in Auburn, Litchfield, Waterford and 14 other towns, prompted by citizen requests.

People they’ve heard from – business owners, legislators and the general public – would like someplace close to buy their spirits, said Jeff Austin, an inspection supervisor.

At least closer than the 225 or so agency liquor stores already open across Maine.

Austin thought many of the calls were prompted by the closure of state-owned liquor stores, which generally had much broader selections.

Auburn’s State Liquor Store closed in July.

Originally, agency liquor stores had to be spaced at least 10 miles apart, Austin said. Then it was reduced to 3.5 miles and, in the last legislative session, the mileage requirement was replaced by one based on population.

Towns with populations under 20,000 can have up to three agency stores. Towns with populations over 20,000 can have up to six.

Lewiston and Bangor tie for the most liquor stores in the state with seven apiece, grandfathered under the old terms. Portland has five; South Portland, six.

Auburn has one.

The state’s legal ad, which only recently hit newspapers, announced that applications are being accepted in more than a dozen towns and cities, which include Auburn, Waterford, Litchfield, South Paris, Brunswick, Solon and Jackman.

Charlie Fillebrown, chairman of the Waterford Board of Selectmen, was surprised that someone in his town would request another one. Waterford, population 1,400, already has one agency store, Melby’s Market.

“I don’t see any big advantage. I don’t think there’s probably that much call for it,” Fillebrown said.

A liquor store would be nothing new in Litchfield, said Town Manager Steve Musica. The sole agency store there closed some time ago.

Agency liquor stores can be added to established stores, though not to restaurants or bars, Austin said. Interested business owners fill out an application, submit the $2,000 fee and have their places inspected by the state. After a public hearing, a panel of liquor licensing workers decides whether to grant an application.

Austin said similar ads have worked in the past.

Copy the Story Link