Bar Harbor

The town council approved a new ordinance that sets a daily limit of 3,200 cruise passengers a day. But it won't go into effect unless residents vote to eliminate the original 1,000 passenger daily cap this fall.

The potential ordinance would set up a new licensing system for the town to enter into contracts with cruise lines, said council chair Valerie Peacock. The year-round daily limit would be 3,200 people, and the town sets a monthly cap that varies by season.

Town officials in Bar Harbor have approved new rules for the town's cruise ship ordinance.

The First Circuit Court of Appeals denied the motion without prejudice, which means businesses can request an injunction again at a later time.

Bar Harbor businesses are asking a federal court to stop the town from enforcing a daily cruise ship passenger limit until their appeal is decided.

A Bar Harbor resident has filed a lawsuit arguing that the Bar Harbor Town Council is violating the town's cruise ship passenger limit by not properly enforcing it.

Bar Harbor voters approved an ordinance two years ago that places a cap on the number of cruise ship passengers to 1,000 per day.

A group of Bar Harbor business owners had filed a legal challenge to the ordinance that limits daily visits to 1,000 visitors per day, claiming it violates provisions of both the Maine and U.S. constitutions.

After months of preparations, trial proceedings begin Tuesday for a lawsuit pitting Bar Harbor businesses against the town.

Vacation rental companies are reporting a slowdown in May and June compared to the last two years. Some operators say the number of bookings is now closer to pre-pandemic levels.