Prohibition repeal debated in Lamoine> Some say alcohol sale would ruin unique character of their town

LAMOINE — Wet or dry: It’s a question of town character residents are debating in the days leading up to a vote on repealing prohibition in Lamoine.

Those favoring a repeal of the prohibition against the sale of beer and wine argue new business might move into town if liquor can be sold, bringing with it some tax relief for residents and improving the economic character of life for the community.

Others argue that prohibition is part of Lamoine’s unique character as a bedroom community. A convenience store or restaurant, they contend, would mean more traffic, trash and noise.

The question of changing the town’s classification from dry to wet goes before voters Nov. 8. Lamoine is now one of only 26 communities left in Maine where the sale of beer and wine is still prohibited.

A successful petition drive over the summer has placed the matter before voters. Two Lamoine residents drafted the petition as a precursor for their proposed plans to open a small convenience store at one of the more traveled intersections in this small coastal community.

Ruth Keene and David Schroeder contend their plans are contingent on the town’s repeal of its prohibition status, as a convenience store could not succeed financially without the sale of beer and wine.

Schroeder says his store “will be a quaint little store in a quaint little town that happens to sell alcohol.”

Lamoine, a town of about 1,300 residents, has no business district and no stores. Almost exclusively residential, the Hancock County town with 28 miles of shoreline has only a handful of at-home businesses and contractors with small yards.

Thirteen active gravel pits owned primarily by out-of-town companies, two small shellfish-packing businesses and a lobster pound compose the remainder of significant business enterprise in Lamoine.

That low level of business activity leads Lamoine Selectman Bill Collier to speak in favor of changing the town’s status from dry to wet. At a public hearing this week on the issue, Collier said the liquor prohibition keeps new business, such as hotels, restaurants and campgrounds, from considering a Lamoine location.

“Without being able to sell alcohol, we’ll never have a store here,” Collier said. “We shouldn’t keep on hobbling business in Lamoine.”

Resident Bob Alvarez agreed. About 20 years ago, Alvarez tried the general store business, operating out of his former home near Lamoine State Park. “We couldn’t make a go of it because we couldn’t sell beer,” Alvarez said. “No store is feasible anywhere without beer. We’re going beyond the realm of reasonableness that we want to be a dry town.”

Alluding to Lamoine’s self-described status as a bedroom community of Ellsworth, Alvarez said it was a designation that leaves residential property owners paying all the taxes. “All Lamoine is getting (as a bedroom community) is kids to educate. Unless you’re a schoolteacher, there is nothing great about Lamoine being a bedroom community.”

But others argue the quality of life in Lamoine would be diminished if the town votes to allow the sale of liquor, as business growth could follow.

Edward Coan, whose property is adjacent to the proposed location for a store, contends Lamoine’s status as a dry community is worthy of preservation. “One unique feature of Lamoine is that it is dry. We don’t have stores. We have a fortunate situation.”

Coan said this week any need for business in Lamoine is “watered down” by the proximity of Ellsworth only a few miles down the road. “Look at Trenton and Ellsworth, where liquor is readily available,” Coan said. “See if you think life there is more rewarding to you or your children.”

Resident Andrea Gabel-Richards wondered whether business development might “change the tenor of the town,” bringing in “changes to Lamoine that won’t be good.”

Another resident agreed. “I like the idea of Lamoine being clean.” She said she favored more bed-and-breakfast establishments or cottage industries that don’t rely on alcohol sales. “We want businesses … that won’t mess up our landscape,” she said.

Although debated as a matter of character for the town, questions about the effects of making alcohol more available are clearly part of the issue for some.

According to Collier, those who want to drink will drive anywhere to purchase alcohol. “Prohibition doesn’t work. We don’t reduce drinking in Lamoine (because of prohibition),” he said. “We just force people to go to Ellsworth,” thus increasing the likelihood of people driving drunk.

But resident Mary Moore disagreed. “I don’t want alcohol sold here.” If a store in town sells beer and wine, she said, “it would make it easier for people to drink, particularly for kids.”