This bill amends existing laws to allow wine and beverage manufacturers in New Hampshire to offer tastings and sell products from certain licensed manufacturers. Specifically, it introduces a new provision that permits wine manufacturers with sales under 1,000 cases per year to purchase products from other licensed beverage manufacturers or wine manufacturers for sampling or sale at their premises, for an additional annual fee of $120. Similarly, beverage manufacturers producing under 2,500 barrels annually can also purchase products from wine manufacturers for the same purpose, under similar conditions. Both types of manufacturers must adhere to specific limitations regarding sample sizes, sales, and operational hours.

Additionally, the bill establishes new regulations concerning the defacing of controlled products. It prohibits off-premise license holders and their employees from intentionally defacing any controlled product or its packaging prior to sale or delivery. The bill outlines what constitutes prohibited defacing, such as removing or damaging labels, while allowing for necessary business practices like price tagging. Importantly, it protects licensees from penalties if defacing occurs without their authorization. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 178:8, 178:12
As Amended by the House: 178:8
As Amended by the Senate: 178:8
Version adopted by both bodies: 178:8
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 178:8
HB1765 text: 178:8, 178:12