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Liquor Commission warns enforcement cuts and transfer language would reduce revenue for prevention and education programs
Summary
The Liquor Commission told senators House budget language would eliminate sworn enforcement positions, remove transfers to public-health programs, and require restoration to avoid revenue and program reductions.
Joseph Malika, chairman of the New Hampshire Liquor Commission, and Chief Mark Armaghani of Liquor Enforcement told the Senate Finance Committee the House budget would remove nearly all sworn enforcement staff and repeal transfers that fund alcohol-abuse prevention and the Granite Advantage program.
"HB2 sections related to the NHLC would eliminate the 19 full-time sworn positions and 15 part-time sworn positions," Chief Armaghani said during the Commission's presentation. He added the Division of Enforcement generated about $18 million in revenue in 2024 and that enforcement also performs cross-agency work, including tobacco retailer compliance tied to federal SYNAR funding.
Why it matters: Commission leaders warned that eliminating sworn enforcement would shift responsibilities…
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