This bill aims to increase the penalties for on-premises licensees who serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals, especially in cases where such service leads to serious bodily injury or death. The new penalties include a suspension of up to 30 days and a fine of $7,500 for the first offense, with the suspension not to exceed 10 days if the staff has completed liquor commission training within 24 months before the violation. For the second offense within 7 years, the same fine applies, and the license suspension is a maximum of 30 days. A third offense within 7 years of the second results in license revocation. Additionally, during the suspension period, the licensee must post a suspension notice on the premises and on their public internet website, if applicable.

The bill also amends RSA 179:57, I(e) by increasing the maximum administrative fine that the commission can impose for any one offense from $5,000 to $7,500. This fine can be imposed instead of, or in addition to, any suspension or revocation of a license. The act is approved on July 12, 2024, and will take effect on September 10, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 179:5
As Amended by the House: 179:5, 179:57
As Amended by the Senate: 179:5, 179:57
Version adopted by both bodies: 179:5, 179:57
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 179:5, 179:57