Maine § 2003-A. - Public drinking
Full text of Maine Maine Revised Statutes § 2003-A. — Public drinking, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 2003-A.. Public drinking
1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context indicates otherwise, the following terms have the following meanings.
A. "Authorized person" means a person having a relationship to the premises, which is unique and not shared by the general public. With respect to property owned by another, it includes a tenant, custodian or night watchman. With respect to publicly-owned property, it includes police officers and other public employees charged with the responsibility of maintaining or protecting public property. [PL 1981, c. 418, §2 (NEW).]
B. "Liquor" means and includes any alcoholic, spirituous vinous, fermented or other alcoholic beverage, or combination of liquors and mixed liquors, intended for human consumption, which contains more than 1/2 of 1% of alcohol by volume. [PL 1981, c. 418, §2 (NEW).]
C. "Open container" means not having a cap, stopper or other cover in place. [PL 1981, c. 418, §2 (NEW).]
D. "Public place" means:
(b) Schools, government-owned custodial facilities;
(c) The lobbies, hallways, lavatories, toilets and basement portions of apartment houses, hotels, public buildings and transportation terminals; and
(d) Public beaches; and
(2) Private ways and parking areas, physically adjacent to public ways and designed primarily for vehicular traffic. [PL 1987, c. 59 (AMD).]
2. Crime. A person is guilty of public drinking if the person drinks liquor in any public place within 200 feet of a notice posted conspicuously in the public place by the owner or authorized person that forbids drinking in the public place or after being forbidden to do so personally by a law enforcement officer, unless the person has been given permission to do so by the owner or authorized person.
3. Evidence. The possession of an open container of liquor in a public place is prima facie evidence of a violation of this section.
4. Violation. Violation of this section is a Class E crime.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maine § 2003-A.
What does Maine Revised Statutes § 2003-A. cover?
Section 2003-A. ("Public drinking") is part of the Maine Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Maine. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Maine § 2003-A.?
A common citation format is "Maine Revised Statutes § 2003-A." (Maine). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Maine law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maine official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maine attorney.
How does Maine § 2003-A. apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maine can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maine.