New Hampshire Senate Bill SB340

New Hampshire 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/15/21
• Refer: 12/15/21
• Refer: 2/22/22
• Refer: 3/9/22
• Engrossed: 4/1/22
• Refer: 4/1/22
• Report DNP: 4/28/22

Caption

Relative to the direct to consumer shipment of alcohol to New Hampshire residents.

Impact

The overarching goal of SB340 is to increase the availability of alcoholic beverages for New Hampshire residents while also encouraging growth in local businesses that manufacture and distribute alcohol. By removing previous limitations on shipping quantities for New Hampshire producers, the bill is expected to enhance competition among local businesses and possibly increase state tax revenues through expanded sales. However, the bill may also have implications for how alcoholic beverages are monitored and taxed, as it necessitates a monthly report of shipments from direct shippers.

Summary

Senate Bill 340 (SB340) addresses the direct shipment of alcoholic beverages to residents in New Hampshire. This bill aims to amend existing regulations surrounding the quantities of alcohol consumers can receive via direct shipment. Specifically, it allows liquor manufacturers to ship up to 60 individual containers of liquor, 12 cases of wine, and up to 50 gallons of beer to any consumer's address within New Hampshire annually. These changes are significant in terms of expanding the current framework for direct-to-consumer alcohol sales, introducing a more flexible approach to shipping limits compared to previous provisions.

Contention

Notably, while the bill proposes a more liberal approach to alcohol shipping, it also repeals certain requirements concerning the disclosure of purchaser names and addresses, which could raise concerns regarding consumer privacy. Some stakeholders may view this repeal as a potential threat to accountability and regulation of alcohol sales, especially in the context of underage drinking and consumption tracking. Additional discussions may revolve around balancing consumer access with responsible oversight of alcohol distribution under the new shipment framework.