NH liquor subcommittee advances bill to let patrons carry purchased drinks into restrooms after debate on safety and enforcement

A House Commerce and Consumer Affairs liquor subcommittee voted to advance a bill that would allow patrons to take beverages purchased on premise into restrooms, a change supporters said could reduce the risk of drink‑spiking and give patrons greater control over their drinks.

The measure drew testimony from enforcement officials, industry groups and multiple lawmakers who split over whether the change would improve safety or create enforcement headaches. The subcommittee’s vote to recommend the bill passed on a 5–2 roll call.

The bill addresses a narrow part of current liquor law that bars consumption or possession of beverages in certain public spaces inside licensed premises (for example, foyers and hallways). Sponsor remarks and several witnesses framed the proposal as a narrow safety change: supporters described cases where people who leave a drink unattended at the bar can have it tampered with, and argued that allowing a patron to retain physical custody of a purchased beverage while using a restroom would reduce that risk.

New Hampshire Liquor Enforcement…