Arabella Franco
New Hampshire has its own unique set of alcohol laws, including those pertaining to the sale of beer. The state is not dry, meaning it does not prohibit or heavily restrict the sale of alcohol, and beer can be purchased every day of the week, including Sundays. However, it is worth noting that there are some specific regulations and restrictions in place that individuals should be aware of before purchasing or consuming alcohol in the state.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you buy beer on Sunday? | Yes |
| Days beer can be bought | Monday to Sunday |
| Hours beer can be bought | 6 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. |
| Hours on-premise retailers can sell alcohol | 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. or 2 a.m. depending on the locality |
| State-run liquor stores close on | Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day |
| Minimum drinking age | 21 |
| Dry areas | Ellsworth |
What You'll Learn
Beer is available in grocery stores and convenience stores
Firstly, the minimum age to purchase and consume alcohol in New Hampshire is 21. It is a crime to use a false ID to buy alcohol, and retailers may sue anyone under 21 who uses a false ID to buy alcohol from them.
Beer can also be purchased from gas stations during these hours, but all sales must be for off-premise consumption and the alcohol must be in its original packaging.
In New Hampshire, there is one dry area where alcohol cannot be purchased: the town of Ellsworth. There are also several neo-prohibition towns that greatly restrict alcohol sales, including Brookfield, Canterbury, Dummer, Eaton, Hancock, Hebron, and New Castle.
It is worth noting that state-run liquor stores, which sell wine and spirits, are usually closed on Sundays, as well as on Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.
Finally, it is illegal for anyone under 21 to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over 0.02%, and there are strict laws around boating while intoxicated (BWI).
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The minimum drinking age in New Hampshire is 21
Firstly, the hours of sale are limited. Alcohol can be purchased from off-premise retailers, such as grocery and convenience stores, between 6 a.m. and 11:45 p.m. On-premise retailers, including bars and restaurants, can sell alcohol between 6 a.m. and 1 a.m. or 2 a.m., depending on the locality. State-run liquor stores are usually open from 6 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. on weekdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays, and are closed on Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.
Secondly, the type of alcohol sold is restricted by the retailer. Beer is generally available in grocery stores, convenience stores, and on-premise retailers. Wine and spirits are sold in state-owned liquor stores and are also available in restaurants and bars.
Thirdly, there are some dry areas in New Hampshire where the sale of alcohol is prohibited or restricted. The town of Ellsworth is the only completely dry locality in the state, while several other towns, including Brookfield, Canterbury, and Dummer, have limited alcohol sales.
Finally, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to purchase or consume alcohol in New Hampshire. This includes exceptions that exist in some other states, such as allowing minors to drink with parental consent. It is also illegal for anyone under 21 to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.02% or higher, and retailers are prohibited from selling alcohol to anyone under 21.
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On-premise retailers can sell alcohol from 6 am to 1 or 2 am
In New Hampshire, on-premise retailers are allowed to sell alcohol between 6 am and 1 or 2 am. This includes bars and restaurants, which can sell beer, wine, and liquor during these hours. It is worth noting that while the state allows alcohol sales until 2 am, individual localities may enforce earlier closing times. For example, in some places, bars must close at 1 am.
On-premise retailers are subject to the same hours as bars, as they are considered on-premise retailers. This means that in New Hampshire, nights out will typically end at 1 or 2 am, depending on the locality. It is important to note that New Hampshire law prohibits anyone from drinking at an on-premise retailer after 30 minutes past the closing time.
The hours for on-premise retailers can vary depending on the locality, but they generally align with the hours of bars and restaurants. These establishments are allowed to sell alcohol for on-premise consumption during the specified time frame. It is worth noting that some retailers may choose not to take full advantage of these permitted hours, opting to close earlier.
New Hampshire does not have additional restrictions on Sunday alcohol sales, often called Blue Laws, which are present in many other states. This means that the hours for on-premise retailers remain the same on Sundays as they are on any other day of the week. However, state-run liquor stores often close earlier on Sundays, and they are also closed on certain holidays like Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.
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Ellsworth is the only dry town in New Hampshire
The state of New Hampshire has a complex history with alcohol laws. In the 1850s, the state adopted the Maine Law, which was the first legislative attempt by the temperance movement to prohibit alcohol except for specific purposes. While this law was eventually repealed, prohibition returned with the passage of the 18th Amendment in 1920. However, national prohibition was once again repealed in 1933, and the authority to regulate liquor was given to the states.
Today, New Hampshire allows local municipalities to decide whether alcoholic beverages can be sold within their jurisdiction. This has resulted in a mix of dry and wet towns within the state. While Ellsworth is the only completely dry town, other towns have placed limits on alcohol sales. These include Brookfield, Canterbury, Dummer, Eaton, Hancock, Hebron, and New Castle, among others.
In New Hampshire, the hours for purchasing alcohol vary depending on the type of retailer. Off-premise retailers, such as liquor stores, can sell alcohol between 6 a.m. and 11:45 p.m. every day, including Sundays. On-premise retailers, such as bars and restaurants, can sell alcohol between 6 a.m. and 1 a.m. or 2 a.m., depending on the locality. State-run liquor stores have slightly different hours and are typically closed on Sundays, as well as Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.
It is worth noting that New Hampshire has strict laws regarding the sale of alcohol to minors. It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to purchase or consume alcohol, and retailers who sell alcohol to minors can face fines and penalties. Additionally, it is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol in New Hampshire, with strict penalties in place for DUI convictions.
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You can buy beer on Sundays with the same hours as any other day
Yes, you can buy beer on Sundays in New Hampshire. The Granite State has its own unique set of alcohol laws, but you can buy beer from an off-premise retailer between 6 a.m. and 11:45 p.m. every day of the week, including Sundays.
Off-premise retailers include grocery and convenience stores, which may sell beer and packaged beverages up to 6% alcohol. On-premise retailers, such as bars and restaurants, can sell alcohol between 6 a.m. and 1 a.m. or 2 a.m., depending on the locality.
State-run liquor stores, which sell wine and spirits, are usually open between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Sundays and are closed on Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.
It's important to note that there is one dry area in New Hampshire: the town of Ellsworth, where you cannot buy any alcohol within the town limits. Additionally, some other towns in New Hampshire have more restricted alcohol sales, so it's always good to check the local laws before purchasing alcohol.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can buy beer on Sunday in New Hampshire. The hours are the same as any other day, but state-run liquor stores often close earlier on Sundays.
In New Hampshire, you can buy beer from an off-premise retailer between 6 a.m. and 11:45 p.m. every day of the week. On-premise retailers can sell alcohol between 6 a.m. and 1 a.m. or 2 a.m., depending on the locality.
New Hampshire's drinking laws are fairly strict compared to other states. There are a few exceptions, the penalties are high, and a DUI conviction can be made even if the driver's BAC was below the legal limit. It is illegal for anyone under 21 to have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.02% or higher. The minimum drinking age in New Hampshire is 21.
