AUGUSTA – Issues of teenage drinking versus convenience for tourists were raised in debate Wednesday before the House voted to allow more agency liquor stores in Maine towns and cities with populations of up to 20,000 people.

The bill, which passed by a 79-61 vote, would raise the limit in those communities to four agency stores instead of three, the current ceiling.

The bill’s supporters see it as an added convenience for tourists, especially in towns where summer populations swell considerably. Rep. George Bishop, R-Boothbay, said the bill would give towns like his an option to add an agency store within walking distance for many visitors.

Rep. John Patrick, who opposed the bill, said it could potentially allow 69 more towns to have another liquor store. When you add the number of towns that don’t have all the liquor stores they’re now allowed, 99 more licensees could potentially appear, the Rumford Democrat said.

Patrick also said that with added liquor retailers, competition for limited sales will drive some retailers out of business.

“Somebody is going to be a loser,” said Patrick, co-chair of the Legal and Veterans Affairs Committee, which was divided over the bill. “Twenty-five small mom-and-pop stores gave testimony that they would be affected.”

Other opponents said the bill works against state efforts to curb teenage drinking.