State liquor officials in New Hampshire are advocating for a bill that would allow restaurants and bars to offer cocktails for takeout and home delivery. This follows a trend seen in 37 other states, aimed at providing additional revenue for businesses and enhancing safety. Senator Tim McGough, the primary sponsor of the proposed legislation (SB 524), emphasized the dual benefits of revenue generation and safety for communities.
The push for this measure ties back to temporary allowances made during the COVID-19 pandemic, where home delivery of beer and wine was permitted. However, only about 30 out of 2,100 licensed establishments currently utilize this service. Mark Armaganian from the New Hampshire Liquor Commission revealed that he initially opposed takeout alcohol sales due to concerns over open container laws. Yet, as the program evolved, it became evident that there was little risk of abuse among license holders.
Kate Frey, a public health advocate, raised concerns about compliance, noting past violations where establishments delivered alcohol to minors. Despite these issues, a recent compliance check indicated that violations have become rare following mandatory training for those businesses that broke the law.
The legislation also addresses home delivery protocols, stipulating that only employees over 21 years old may deliver cocktails, and they must verify the recipient’s age. A recent amendment suggests that cocktails must have security seals; this includes listing ingredients and alcohol content, alongside health warnings.
Among lawmakers, there’s a debate about whether third-party delivery services like DoorDash or Uber Eats should be permitted for alcohol delivery. Advocates for the legislation believe that involving these services could fill a gap in home delivery options.
Organizations supporting the bill, such as the New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association, argue that allowing takeout cocktails might decrease drunk driving incidents, as suggested by studies in states with similar laws.
The Senate Commerce Committee is expected to vote on the bill soon, with indications that the likelihood of its passage during the 2026 session is high.