Skip to main content

Regulating NH’s craft beer market

Image
News Date
Body

As craft beer grows in popularity in New Hampshire, the legislature is considering several bills to regulate the industry.

SB 306 would allow vendors to provide samples of beer and wine and farmers’ markets.  Supporters argue that brewers are at a competitive disadvantage with other local industries if they cannot allow consumers to taste their products at farmers’ markets.  Some opponents are concerned about the negative impact of offering free alcohol at family-friendly events.

SB 306 passed the Senate and is currently in the House Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee.

HB 1540 would allow small-volume brewers to ship beer directly to retailers, rather than through the state.  Supporters argue the measure gives retailers greater access to small craft brewers, especially those from out-of-state.  Opponents argue the bill will let out-of-state brewers bypass state regulations, giving them an unfair advantage while also limiting the state’s ability to control quality.

HB 1540 passed the House and is now in the Senate Commerce Committee.

HB 114 would create a specialty beer store license, which would allow a store to sell beer without the requirement of also selling food.  Under current state law, stores may only sell beer if they maintain a certain inventory of food.  To qualify for a specialty beer store license, a store would need to stock at least 400 varieties of beer.  Supporters of HB 114 argue the requirement to sell food along with beer is outdated and does not clearly benefit the public.  Opponents, including the NH Grocers Association, argue that the requirement to sell food had been in place since Prohibition, and helps limit alcohol abuse.

HB 114 passed the House and is also in the Senate Commerce Committee.

Lastly, HB 1152 would increase allowed alcohol content in specialty beers.  Supporters argue the new threshold brings New Hampshire in line with other states.  Opponents are concerned about the greater potential to abuse beers with higher alcohol content.

HB 1152 also passed the House and is now in the Senate Commerce Committee.

Do you support or oppose any of these bills?  Share your opinion in the comments.

Comments

Login or register to post comments

Thank you to our sponsors and donors