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Binge Drinking Laws in Maine

Binge drinking is quickly becoming a serious problem in the state of Maine. Not only are residents exposed to the many physical and medical side effects of binge drinking, but also the state is noticing a general erosion of societal standards within young adults who make up a large percentage of those involved in binge drinking.

 
 

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What is Binge Drinking?

From both a legal and medical standpoint, binge drinking involves the rapid consumption of five or more alcoholic drinks within a short period of time. For females, this amount is reduced to four drinks. This may seem small to many, but it has been scientifically proven that this amount of alcohol especially when rapidly consumed can result in significant impairment of vision, coordination and responsiveness.

What are the effects of Binge Drinking in Maine?

Many citizens of Maine have had to learn the hard way about the many ill effects of binge drinking. The effects of binge drinking are mostly seen in teenagers who bodies that are still in its developmental state are unable to withstand the abuse that arises from binge drinking. As a result both these and adults end up with binge drinking related illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, cancer and cardio-vascular disorders.

In addition, binge drinking contributes significantly to the degradation of the society. Many of Maine’s citizen who indulge in binge drinking often end up in fights, gun violence, being alcoholics, unwanted pregnancies and being led on to indulge into forms of hard drugs.

Main Binge Drinking Laws

To control the distribution and consumption of alcohol, Maine has implemented various rules that drive right at the heart of binge drinking. These laws include:

  • Where can you buy alcohol: Only stores categorized as “ABC or state stores” within the state of Maine are allowed to sell allowed to sell alcohol above 15.5% alcohol. Alcohol below 15.5% alcohol content can be had from regular retail stores. However, they are not allowed to sell these alcoholic beverages between 1am to 6am during the week and 1am to 9am on Sundays.
  • Main legal drinking age: The legal drinking age of drinking in Maine is set at 21. This is designed to tackle the recurring problem of binge drinking by college students. However, individuals are allowed to work in organizations that distribute, sell and transport beer, wine and other spirits from the age of 17 but only under direct supervision.
  • Open container Law: Within the state of Maine, previously opened containers with alcohol can only be transported in the trunk of a car. It is illegal to have open alcoholic containers inside the car.
  • BAC limits: Within the state of main, drivers are allowed to drive on the streets only if they have a blood alcohol content less than 0.08%. This amount is further reduced to 0.00% for minors. If caught violating this law, drivers can be faced with a suspension of their driver’s license, jail time, fines, counseling and community service. This law aims at removing drunk drivers from the streets of Maine.