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An Act To Exempt Nonprofit Organizations from the Laws Governing Serving Alcohol near a Church
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 28-A MRSA §701, sub-§1, as amended by PL 2005, c. 269, §1, is further amended to read:
 
1. Location within 300 feet of churches and schools.   Except as provided in paragraphs B and, C and D, the bureau may not issue a new license for the sale of liquor to be consumed on the premises to new premises within 300 feet of a public or private school, school dormitory, church, chapel or parish house in existence as such at the time the application for the new license is made.
 
B.  The bureau may after holding a public hearing near the proposed location issue licenses to premises that are either in or within 300 feet of a church, chapel, parish house or postsecondary school.
 
C.  The restriction in this subsection does not apply if a public or private school, school dormitory, church, chapel or parish house:
 
(1) Locates in a commercial zone that includes restaurants or bars as permitted uses and that had been established pursuant to a zoning ordinance as defined in Title 30-A, section 4301, subsection 15-A prior to the public or private school, school dormitory, church, chapel or parish house locating in the commercial zone; or
 
(2) Is located in a downtown as defined in Title 30-A, section 4301, subsection 5-A.
 
D.  The restriction in this subsection relating to a church, chapel or parish house does not apply to an applicant or licensee that is a nonprofit organization.
 
SUMMARY
This bill exempts a nonprofit organization from the prohibition against licensing premises that are within 300 feet of a church, chapel or parish house for the sale of liquor to be consumed on the premises.