The Best Beer-Buying Spots In New Hampshire

New Hampshire has strict laws regarding the sale of alcohol, and these vary from those in other states. Beer is available in grocery stores and convenience stores, while wine and spirits are sold in state-owned retail stores. Alcohol is available in restaurants and bars from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m., and liquor stores are open from 6 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. (with reduced hours on Sundays). It is illegal for those under 21 to consume alcohol in New Hampshire, and the penalty for selling alcohol to someone underage is a fine of $1,200.

Beer is sold in grocery and convenience stores

The sale of beer and other alcoholic beverages in grocery and convenience stores is only permitted between 6:00 a.m. and 11:45 p.m. Beer and other beverages with an alcohol content of 6% or less are not sold at ABC or package stores, which are state-owned operations.

The drinking age in New Hampshire is 21. It is illegal for those under 21 to consume alcohol at any time and for any reason. It is also a crime to use a false ID to buy alcohol or to sell, lend, or transfer a false ID. Retailers may sue anyone under 21 who uses a false ID to buy alcohol from them and may recover any losses, including fines, caused by the illegal sale.

Liquor is sold in state-owned stores

If you're looking to buy beer in New Hampshire, you're in luck! Beer is widely available in grocery stores and convenience stores across the state. However, if you're looking for liquor, the process is a little different.

In New Hampshire, liquor is sold only in state-owned stores. These stores, known as ABC or package stores, are operated by the New Hampshire Liquor Commission (NHLC). The NHLC has a monopoly over the sale of wine and distilled spirits in the state, and these beverages cannot be purchased in regular grocery or convenience stores. This means that if you're looking to buy liquor, you'll need to visit one of these dedicated state-owned stores.

The NHLC takes its role in regulating the sale of alcohol in New Hampshire seriously. They work with licensees, brokers, suppliers, and business partners to ensure the safe and responsible sale of alcohol in the state. The NHLC has been named the nation's top control state and is known for being progressive, customer-focused, and profitable. With over 12 million customers visiting their outlets each year, the NHLC has raised more than $4 billion in net profits to support critical state services.

The state-owned liquor stores offer a wide selection of spirits and wines, and you can expect to find everything from well-known brands to more unique, craft options. These stores are typically open from 6:00 a.m. to 11:45 p.m., Monday through Friday, and on Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. They are closed on Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. It's important to note that the product selection may be limited due to the state's monopoly, and prices tend to be higher compared to other states.

To find the nearest state-owned liquor store in New Hampshire, you can visit the NHLC website or refer to the state website, www.NH.gov. There, you can locate the store's address and operating hours, ensuring a smooth and legal liquor-buying experience during your time in New Hampshire.

You must be 21 to drink in New Hampshire

In the state of New Hampshire, you must be 21 years of age to legally consume alcohol. This is in line with the rest of the United States, where the legal drinking age is 21 across all 50 states.

The laws surrounding alcohol consumption in New Hampshire are strict, and there are only a few exceptions to the drinking age rule. An underage person cannot be prosecuted for drinking if they are seeking medical help for someone suffering from an alcohol overdose. Other exceptions include drinking in private establishments, for medical or religious purposes, or when handling, dispensing, or transporting alcohol as part of one's job.

Beer is widely available in New Hampshire and can be purchased in grocery stores and convenience stores. Liquor, on the other hand, is sold in state-owned retail stores or "package stores", and wine can be found in supermarkets. Alcohol is typically available in restaurants and bars from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m., and liquor stores are open from 6 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.

It is important to note that drinking laws can carry severe penalties, and breaking the drinking law in New Hampshire can result in a fine of $300 for a first offence and $600 for a second offence. The state also has strict laws surrounding driving under the influence (DUI), with enhanced penalties for drivers who are found to be intoxicated.

Bars and restaurants serve alcohol from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m

If you're looking to buy beer in New Hampshire, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, beer and wine are sold in supermarkets and convenience stores, while liquor is sold in state-owned retail stores. The drinking age in New Hampshire is 21, and bars and restaurants can serve alcohol from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m.

For those looking to enjoy a drink during their visit to New Hampshire, there are a few options available. Beer and wine can be purchased from supermarkets and convenience stores, making it convenient for those who want to enjoy a drink in their hotel rooms or other private spaces. On the other hand, liquor is only sold in state-owned retail stores, which are easily accessible and located all over the state, even off the interstates.

It's important to note that the sale of alcohol in bars and restaurants is permitted from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. This means that you can enjoy a drink with your breakfast or a nightcap before heading back to your accommodation. However, do keep in mind that many places might close earlier, and local ordinances may require some locations to close earlier as well.

When it comes to the availability of alcohol in New Hampshire, there are a few restrictions to be aware of. While beer and wine are available seven days a week, there are specific hours for the sale of liquor. Liquor stores are open for service from 6 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. on weekdays and usually between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Sundays. They remain closed on Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Additionally, it's worth noting that there are some dry towns in New Hampshire, such as Ellsworth, which completely prohibit the sale of any alcoholic beverages. Other towns like Brookfield, Canterbury, Dummer, and Eaton also have strict restrictions on alcohol sales.

In conclusion, while enjoying a drink in New Hampshire, it is essential to follow the local laws and regulations. By understanding the rules around the sale and consumption of alcohol, visitors can ensure they have a pleasant and safe experience during their time in the state.

Ellsworth is a dry town

In the US state of New Hampshire, beer and wine are sold in supermarkets and convenience stores. Liquors are sold in state-owned retail stores.

However, Ellsworth, a town in Grafton County, is the only dry town in New Hampshire. It has a population of 93 and is within the Merrimack River watershed. Ellsworth is one of only three dry towns left in the state, the other two being Millsfield and Monroe.

The term "dry town" refers to a town that prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages. In 1964, during the general election, every community in New Hampshire was asked four questions, including whether they would permit in their community:

• A state liquor store
• Retail sale of beer
• Retail sale of wine
• Commercial enterprises where liquor is “sold for consumption on the premises."

The vast majority of communities approved all four questions. A dozen towns went wet but left some restrictions on the sale of liquor. Seventeen towns, including Sharon, rejected all four questions and stayed firmly dry.

The number of dry towns in New Hampshire has since dwindled to just one: Ellsworth.

Frequently asked questions