Could Maine Soon Ban the Sale of Refrigerated Beer Across the State?

It may sound crazy, but it's a direction that Maine, and several other states, could soon go. But why in the world would any state want to ban the sale of cold beer?

The answer is actually pretty pragmatic.

As they're in the process of doing in Tennessee, Maine could choose to ban the sale of refrigerated alcohol in an attempt to curb the numbers of people driving under the influence.

According to WKRN, the idea is that there are some people out there who will stop at a store, buy some cold beer, return to their vehicle and proceed to drink said beer while they are operating their car.

Interestingly enough, while drinking and driving is forbidden in Tennessee, just like all other states, they do have a fairly unique 'open container' law. This allows for people of age, except the driver, to legally consume alcohol in the vehicle while it's underway. Maine on the other hand, has a strict no open container law.

So, how close is Maine to passing a 'cold beer ban'? Well, it hasn't even been introduced by a legislator...yet.

However, when we look at Tennessee's proposal we find that it has already passed both 1st and second considerations and, according to WKRN, it is now headed to committee where, if it passes there, it will head to the house floor for a final vote.

If the bill did pass, here's how it would read in the state of Tennessee,

SECTION 1. Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 57, Chapter 5, Part 1, is amended by adding the following as a new section:
Notwithstanding another law to the contrary, a person or entity holding a beer permit issued under this chapter shall not sell refrigerated or cold beer at retail. SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon becoming a law, the public welfare requiring it.

So, will this happen in Maine? The jury is still out on that one- however, if Tennessee is able to pass this proposed ban, it would certainly have other states eyeing the possibility of doing the same thing.