The Division of Liquor Licensing and Enforcement oversees licensing and enforcement activities for Maine's beverage alcohol industry. We are committed to upholding Maine's liquor laws, with a focus on preventing the sale and consumption of alcohol by minors.
All licensing, renewals, label registrations, and excise tax submissions are now managed through the Bureau's Enterprise Liquor Licensing System (BELLS). BELLS offers a streamlined, all-in-one platform for licensees to manage their applications and compliance requirements. For assistance on how to use this system please visit our YouTube channel.
Brand owners must register their products with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) using the Beverage Container Label Registration and Licensing Portal. This is required before selling products in Maine. Failure to register or renew with DEP may result in products being removed from retailer shelves.
Liquor Licensing Resources
Applicants for a Maine liquor license often need to obtain approvals, registrations, or licenses from other state, federal, or local agencies before their application can be approved. The requirements vary depending on your business type (e.g., on-premises, retail, manufacturing, or wholesale).
The resources below are provided to help you identify and contact the appropriate agencies early in the process. Completing these steps in advance can help avoid delays in liquor licensing.
| License / Department | Who Needs It | Website | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retailer Certificate (Maine Revenue Services) | All applicants making retail sales | Visit site | (207) 624-9693 | sales.tax@maine.gov |
| Employer Registration & Unemployment Insurance (Department of Labor) | Businesses with employees | Visit site | (207) 623-7900 | |
| Workers’ Compensation Insurance (Workers’ Compensation Board) | Businesses with employees | Visit site | (207) 287-3751 | |
| Business Registration (Secretary of State – Corporations Division) | LLCs, corporations, and other registered entities | Visit site | (207) 624-7736 | cec.corporations@maine.gov |
| Federal Employer Identification Number (IRS) | Most businesses | Visit site | (800) 829-4933 | |
| Health Inspection License (DHHS Health Inspection Program) | On-premises licensees and licensees serving food or operating kitchens | Visit site | (207) 287-5671 | hiplicensing.dhhs@maine.gov |
| Food and/or Beverage Licensing (DACF Quality Assurance & Regulations) | Off-premises retailers, manufacturers, and wholesalers | Visit site | (207) 287-3841 | dacf@maine.gov |
| Dance Permit (Office of State Fire Marshal) | On-premises establishments allowing dancing/entertainment | Visit site | (207) 626-9800 | webmaster_fmo@maine.gov |
| Federal Alcohol Permits (TTB – Brewer’s Notice, Winery Permit, DSP, Wholesaler Permit) | Manufacturers, wholesalers, and agency store resellers | Visit site | (877) 882-3277 | |
| Municipal Approvals (Clerk / Code Enforcement / Local Licensing) | Most applicants (varies by municipality) | Visit site | ||
| U.S. Small Business Administration (Maine District Office) | Optional resource for business guidance and financing | Visit site |
For more information on DEP requirements, visit the Beverage Container Label Registration and Licensing Portal.
For assistance, please call (207) 624-7220 or email us at alcohol@maine.gov