Restaurant Insurance in Maine
The policies a Maine restaurant, bar, food truck, or catering operation needs — what the state requires, what's strongly advised, and what it costs.
Reviewed by J. Robert Smith, Licensed Insurance Agent (NPN 10378680). Last updated .
In Maine, a restaurant's core program is general liability, a property or business-owner's policy (BOP), and commercial auto for any delivery. Workers' compensation is mandatory once you hire staff, and dram-shop law exposes any alcohol-serving business, so liquor liability is strongly advised. This hub compares Maine's workers' comp and liquor-liability rules and cost alongside the coverages every restaurant and bar should carry.
- Workers’ comp
- Required once you hire staff
- Liquor liability
- Dram-shop law applies — strongly advised
- Dram-shop law
- Yes
- Suggested liquor limits
- $1M/$2M ($350K cap applies to non-medical damages, not medical expenses)
Workers’ compensation in Maine
Yes. Maine mandates workers' compensation for any restaurant with one or more employees, including part-time and seasonal staff, from the first hire. Sole proprietors and partners may opt out for themselves, and owners of at least twenty percent of corporate stock may waive coverage in writing. Enforcement is strict, with substantial fines for uninsured employers.
Full Maine workers’ comp guide — thresholds, exemptions, and rates →
Liquor liability & dram-shop law in Maine
Under the Maine Liquor Liability Act (28-A M.R.S. § 2501 et seq.), a licensed server is liable when it negligently or recklessly serves a minor or a visibly intoxicated person who causes harm. Damages other than medical expenses are capped at $350,000 per occurrence, and a claimant must serve written notice within 180 days.
Full Maine liquor-liability guide — the statute, limits, and cost →
Coverages every Maine restaurant should weigh
- General liability
Third-party slip-and-fall and property-damage claims — the foundation policy.
- Business owner’s policy (BOP)
Bundles general liability with property coverage for your building, equipment, and contents.
- Commercial property
Kitchen equipment, tenant improvements, signage, and inventory.
- Commercial & hired/non-owned auto
Delivery, catering runs, and errands in owned or employee vehicles.
- Employment practices (EPLI)
Harassment, discrimination, and wrongful-termination claims from staff.
- Umbrella
Extra limits above your liquor, auto, and general liability policies.
Maine regulators
Talk to an agent who insures food & beverage every day
A licensed commercial-lines agent who specializes in restaurants and bars will review your coverage, close the gaps that catch owners, and show you what a program actually costs — before anything is bound.