AUGUSTA – Thirsty golfers in Maine may find a welcome change on the links this year, if a bill that gained momentum in the Senate on Tuesday becomes law.

By a 23-10 vote, senators endorsed a bill, LD 656, to allow vendors to sell beer from carts on Maine golf courses. A similar bill was heavily debated before it was rejected last session.

The revived measure includes safeguards, such as requiring sellers to be specially trained and be at least 21 years old. A golfer who operates a cart could not transport open containers of beer across a public road.

On Tuesday, the bill was amended further to require courses allowing mobile beer sales to have stations where golfers can relieve themselves.

Sen. John Martin, D-Eagle Lake, who proposed the amendment, says that does not appear to be a problem for golf courses.

Martin, who does not support the bill, said it appears it has enough votes to pass. It still faces further House and Senate votes.