Club, Lounge or Restaurant, Convenience or Grocery Store Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any dry towns and/or limited alcohol sales in the State of NH?

What are the hours of service for alcohol in a club, lounge, or restaurant?

What are the hours of sale for alcohol in a convenience or grocery store?

As a server or seller of alcohol, what visual signs of intoxication should I be aware of?

If alcohol is sold or served to an underage or an intoxicated person, what is the criminal penalty?

How old must an employee be to sell alcohol?

How old must an employee be to serve alcohol?

Can employees consume alcoholic beverages while working?

Can I confiscate an ID that I believe is a fake?

Can an Alcohol Management Policy be stricter than NH law?

Are signs allowed to advertise alcohol?

Is it acceptable to post "Happy Hour" specials?

What is the purpose of maintaining an incident log book?

Are all my employees required to attend training?

How can I get a copy of my "Certificate of Attendance"?

Where can I get an Age Poster? ID Book? Age Calendar?

Can I host a training class at my business?

 

Are there any dry towns and/or limited alcohol sales in the State of NH?

Dry & Limited Alcohol Sales
RSA 175:7 Local Option provides for voters of cities and towns questions concerning the sale and consumption of liquor, malt beverages and wine. (In 1964, two questions were placed on the ballot; one concerning the sale of beverages and another to approve the sale of liquor.) The below list are towns who either rejected alcohol sale altogether or placed limits on the types.
New Hampshire Dry Towns and Limited Alcohol Sales List  

What are the hours of service for alcohol in a club, lounge, or restaurant?

An on sale licensee may allow the sale of alcohol from 6:00 am to 1:00 am.
179:17 Hours of Sales

What are the hours of sale for alcohol in a convenience or grocery store?

An off sale licensee may allow the sale of alcohol from 6:00 am to 11:45 pm.
179:17 Hours of Sales

As a server or seller of alcohol, what visual signs of intoxication should I be aware of?

Odor of alcohol, Stumbles, Falls, Staggers, Loud, Bloodshot eyes, Slurred speech, Disheveled,
Loss of coordination, Impaired judgment, Foul language, etc.

If alcohol is sold or served to an underage or an intoxicated person, what is the criminal penalty?

Prohibited Sales is a Class B misdemeanor criminal offense with a fine of $1200. If service of alcohol purposely or recklessly caused bodily injury, the state may change the offense to a Class A misdemeanor with a fine of $2000, and/or one year in jail. 
179:58 Penalties
RSA 625:9 Classification of Crimes

How old must an employee be to sell alcohol?

To act as a cashier in a selling capacity the employee shall be 16 years old.
RSA 179:23 Employment; Employment of Minors; Felon Exception

How old must an employee be to serve alcohol?

In order to serve or handle alcohol as a waiter, waitress, or bartender the employee shall be 18 years old.
RSA 179:23 Employment; Employment of Minors; Felon Exception

Can employees consume alcoholic beverages while working?

No on-premises or off-premises licensee or employee shall consume beverage or liquor while working.
RSA 179:20 Employee Restrictions

No "employee" includes persons who are permitted, required, or directed by an employer to engage in employment with consideration of direct or indirect gain or profit.
RSA 275:4, II Definition of Terms

Can I confiscate an ID that I believe is a fake?

Yes however, you should not put your personal safety at risk to confiscate a false identification.
If you do confiscate an ID you believe is altered or fictitious, contact Liquor Enforcement (271-3521) to surrender the ID as soon as possible.
RSA 179:9 Person Misrepresenting Age
RSA 179:62 Manufacture, Sale, and Possession of False Identification

Can an Alcohol Management Policy be stricter than NH law?

Written "House Policies" shows evidence of a responsible business practice and do have the option to be stricter than state laws regarding alcohol sales and service.

Are signs allowed to advertise alcohol?

Advertising liquor or beverages with an internally illuminated sign outside the premise is not permitted.
You may use of internally illuminated signs (no neon) inside the licensed premises.
RSA 179:25 Sign Restrictions

Is it acceptable to post "Happy Hour" specials?

You may advertise liquor or beverages at a licensed premise as long as it is consistent with the spirit of public health or safety. The Commission may suspend the advertising or promotion of liquor or beverage deemed inconsistent. A city or town may adopt provisions that prohibit signs in view of any public way promoting liquor or beverages at reduced prices by an on-premises licensee.
RSA 179:31 Advertising Restrictions

What is the purpose of maintaining an incident log book?

Documenting incidents and descriptions within a log book may protect you against allegations of improper sales or service of alcohol to underage or intoxicated patrons.

Are all my employees required to attend training?

Training for employees of licensed liquor establishments is not mandatory in New Hampshire.
"Annual Training is Recommended"

The commission does require the proprietor, partner, officer, member or designated manager of a new retail license to attend MTS training within 45 days of license issue.
RSA 178:2 Licenses Authorized; Training Required

How can I get a copy of my "Certificate of Attendance"?

Please call the training unit at (603) 271-8531 to obtain copies of cards which can be mailed, faxed or e-mailed. You may also request an up to date list of employees who have attended any training program.

Where can I get an Age Poster? ID Book? Age Calendar?

The Enforcement & Licensing office or your Liquor Investigator maintains a supply of age requirements posters for licensed establishments to display in a conspicuous place.
RSA 179:18 Posting of Age Requirements:

ID Checking Guide: call 1-800-227-8827 or visit www.idcheckingguide.com
We Card Calendar: call 1-800-934-3968 or visit www.wecard.org

Can I host a training class at my business?

The Total Education in Alcohol Management® class is held at non-licensed establishments; public library, police department, municipal building, and conference center.

Online training is also available: https://lms.nh.gov/liquor/portal/