This bill amends existing laws to enhance the rights of wine and beverage manufacturers in New Hampshire, allowing them to offer tastings and sell their products more freely. Specifically, it modifies RSA 178:8, II-III to permit wine manufacturers to sell and deliver their wines directly to holders of on-premises or off-premises licenses, with the addition of the phrase "or wine manufacturer licenses" to clarify the types of licenses involved. Furthermore, it allows wine manufacturers to transport their products not only to their own retail outlets but also to the retail outlets of other wine manufacturer license holders. The bill also establishes guidelines for tastings, permitting manufacturers to provide samples either for free or for a fee, with specific limits on the amount served.

Additionally, the bill amends RSA 178:12, IV(b) to enable holders of beverage manufacturer licenses who produce 15,000 barrels or less to distribute their beverages directly to retail licensees and other beverage manufacturer licenses, provided that their total in-state direct retail sales do not exceed 5,000 barrels. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage. The fiscal impact of the bill is currently undetermined as the Office of Legislative Budget Assistant is awaiting further information from the Liquor Commission.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 178:8, 178:12
HB1765 text: 178:8, 178:12