CLINTON — On the local ballot Tuesday, residents voted to let the state license local stores to sell hard liquor to go every day but Sundays.
The referendum question not allowing hard liquor sales on Sunday passed with a vote of 1,122-526, while 1,040 voted to allow the sale of hard liquor every day including Sundays.
The question asked voters to allow the state to award agency liquor licenses to stores in Clinton. A license to run an agency liquor store would allow store owners to sell hard liquor in addition to wine or beer. People had the choice of allowing the sale of liquor every day or every day but Sunday.
There is a limitation to how many agency liquor stores one area can have, an official from the Maine State Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages and Lottery Operations told the Sentinel.
Towns with populations of 2,000 to 5,000 people — which is about the size of Clinton — can have up to three.
Larry Sanborn, division manager of liquor licensing and enforcement, said he found three stores that would be eligible to apply for the license: Market Plus on Hinckley Road, Galusha’s on Main Street and Clinton Variety and Pizza on Main Street.
The January application period lasts through March, so Clinton residents won’t be able to buy hard liquor in town sooner than this spring.
The town still doesn’t allow the sale of wine, beer or liquor for on-premise consumption at places like restaurants or bars, but stores can sell wine or beer to go.
The closest agency liquor store is in Benton, about 10 minutes away by car.
Madeline St. Amour — 861-9239
mstamour@centralmaine.com
Twitter: @madelinestamour
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