Sec. 1. 28-A MRSA §1202, sub-§2, as amended by PL 1997, c. 373, §108, is further amended to read:

2. Employees who are 17; identification class. An employee who is at least 17 years of age but less than 21 18 years of age may accept payment only in the presence of an employee who is at least 21 18 years of age and is in a supervisory capacity. All employees less than 21 years of age must take and pass a class on the liquor laws offered by the bureau prior to being permitted to accept payment for the sale of malt liquor or wine pursuant to this subsection.

Sec. 2. Bureau to establish and offer class. The Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Liquor Enforcement, shall establish and offer a class to retailers licensed pursuant to the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 28-A, section 1201 and their employees. The class must offer instruction in the following:

1. Valid forms of proof of age and recognizing fraudulent proof of age identification;

2. Pertinent laws regarding sales of liquor; and

3. The penalties for failure to follow the liquor laws.

The bureau may charge a minimal fee for this course that is commensurate with the cost to the bureau.

SUMMARY

Current law permits a person more than 17 years of age but less than 21 years of age to sell malt liquor and wine only if in the presence of a supervisor who is at least 21 years of age.

This bill decreases to 18 years of age the age at which a person may sell malt liquor or wine and function as a supervisor to someone between the ages of 17 and 18 years old. This bill also requires all employees who are less than 21 years old, prior to being allowed to sell malt liquor or wine, to take and pass a class offered by the Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Liquor Enforcement on recognizing fake identification, the laws regarding sales of liquor and the penalties for failing to abide by those laws.