Yes, purchasing Everclear (190-proof grain alcohol) is legal in Maine, but strictly regulated under state liquor laws and local municipal ordinances. The Maine Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages & Lottery Operations (BABLO) oversees sales, requiring purchasers to be 21+, with transactions limited to licensed liquor stores or designated retailers. Recent 2026 compliance shifts mandate additional inventory tracking for high-proof spirits to curb diversion risks.
Key Regulations for Purchasing Everclear in Maine
- Proof Restrictions: Sales capped at 151-proof unless purchased for industrial, laboratory, or fuel use with proper permits; 190-proof Everclear requires a special license.
- Purchase Limits: Individuals may buy no more than 1.5 liters per transaction unless exempt under BABLO’s commercial-use provisions.
- Local Ordinances: Municipalities like Portland and Bangor impose additional zoning restrictions, banning sales within 500 feet of schools or places of worship without variance approval.
Retailers must verify age via government-issued ID and maintain sales logs for state audits. Violations trigger fines up to $5,000 or license suspension under Title 28-A, §105. Consumers transporting Everclear across state lines face federal regulations, including ATF Form 5100.35 for quantities exceeding 1.1 liters.