AUGUSTA – Golfers should be allowed to buy beer on the course from mobile service vehicles, the House decided Monday. A bill to allow liquor sales on golf courses passed 77-59 after prolonged debate.

However, LD 133, sponsored by Senate President Michael Michaud, already has been rejected by the Senate and would need a reversal there to survive. Maine is one of only four states to ban liquor sales on golf courses. The Legal and Veterans Affairs Committee voted 8-5 against the bill.

The committee obviously needs more golfers as members, said House Minority Leader Joseph Bruno, R-Raymond, who runs a South Portland golf course. Tourists from other states are surprised that they can’t buy a drink while golfing, he said. If the courses were allowed to sell beer to golfers, there would be greater control over drinking, he said.

Many golfers take beer in their golf bags, although the practice is illegal, Bruno said.

“This is a reality bill,” said Rep. Christopher Muse, D-South Portland, who admits to having a few beers hidden in his golf bag during his golf outings and supported the measure. Rep. Eleanor M. Murphy, R-Berwick, said the liquor ban on golf courses was another example of discrimination against Maine businesses.

Opponents said the measure would encourage drinking, especially among the young.

People who can’t shoot a round of golf without a beer should find a new hobby, said Rep. Richard A. Tracy, D-Rome.

The proposed change was damned as “an abomination,” by Rep. Rosita Gagne, D-Buckfield. The bill would go too far, encourage drinking and favor large courses over small courses, which would not have the personnel to conduct liquor sales on touring golf carts. “Never mind what other states do,” she said.

One representative said the opposition carried the “stale odor of sanctimony,” because so many people already drink on golf courses.