This bill amends existing laws to allow small liquor manufacturers to sell their products directly to on-premises licensees, which includes bars and restaurants. Specifically, it modifies RSA 178:6, III and III-a to include the phrase "and to on-premises licensees" in the provisions that govern retail sales at manufacturing facilities. Additionally, it amends RSA 179:32, II to permit on-premises licensees to purchase supplies directly from small liquor manufacturers, as long as they have the approval of the commission. The bill also repeals RSA 178:6, V, which previously prohibited small liquor manufacturers from selling directly to on-premises licensees. The fiscal impact of this bill is significant, as it is projected to result in a loss of approximately $2,646,000 in annual revenue for the state. This revenue loss arises from the elimination of the State Liquor Commission's role as the exclusive wholesaler of spirits in New Hampshire, which would allow manufacturers to bypass the commission for wholesale sales. The Liquor Commission has expressed concerns that this change could undermine the support and services they currently provide to small manufacturers, as well as lead to a substantial decrease in state revenue without any compensatory measures in place.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 178:6, 179:32
HB1673 text: 178:6, 179:32