Harrison Thorp 10:24 a.m.
Thursday, March 19, 2020 10:26 am
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Maine Gov. Janet Mills announced on Wednesday that Maine bars and restaurants can no longer serve on-site customers following the lead of New Hampshire and the four other New England states.
The order came just hours after The Rochester Voice published a story on Trains Tavern, which was continuing to serve bar patrons during the afternoon on a limited basis and allowing customers to drink while awaiting to-go items well into the evening.
Many cities and towns in Maine, including Portland and Bangor had already voluntarily closed. Wednesday's prohibition made the order statewide.
Maine officials have made no ruling on delivery of beer or wine with meals as New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu outlined and approved on Wednesday. In New Hampshire restaurants that have both a meals and liquor license may sell takeout or delivered meals with up to a 12-pack of beer or 1.5 liters of wine.
The executive order lasts till March 31 and could be extended, officials said.
The Maine CDC reached out to The Rochester Voice by phone today to confirm this digital daily had Wednesday's closure-order information.