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Subcommittee debates 'tavern' license; members seek town‑level approval language and higher fees to cover enforcement
Summary
A House Commerce subcommittee debated a proposal to create a tavern license that would permit alcohol‑only establishments, with members asking staff to add language requiring towns to vote affirmatively before licenses are issued and to propose a higher fee to cover enforcement.
A Commerce and Consumer Affairs subcommittee spent substantial time debating a proposed "tavern" liquor license that would allow alcohol‑only establishments without a food requirement. No final subcommittee vote on the bill was taken; members asked staff to draft amendments requiring affirmative town approval before issuing tavern licenses and to refine licensing fees to reflect local enforcement costs.
Danielle Ellison, deputy chief of New Hampshire Liquor Enforcement, described the proposal’s age restriction: “The reason we did 21 plus is, there's no food. There's only alcohol.” She said the proposed new license could create nightclubs or late‑night establishments because the draft does not by itself limit live entertainment or operating hours. Ellison confirmed the commission currently notifies towns of…
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