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Bottle bill debate draws opposition from grocers, beverage and hospitality groups

House Commerce and Consumer Affairs · January 22, 2026
AI-Generated Content: All content on this page was generated by AI to highlight key points from the meeting. For complete details and context, we recommend watching the full video. so we can fix them.

Summary

Sponsor introduced HB 16‑79 to create a beverage redemption program; New Hampshire Grocers Association, Beverage Association and Lodging/Restaurant Association testified in opposition citing cost, sanitation, and municipal revenue impacts. The Liquor Commission warned of interactions with distributor fees and estimated a multimillion‑dollar revenue change.

Representative Sullivan introduced HB 16‑79, modeled on Oregon’s redemption program, to establish a statewide beverage container deposit and redemption system. Sullivan said constituents had asked for the conversation and that the committee should weigh pros and cons.

Kevin Daigle, president of the New Hampshire Grocers Association, testified in opposition and handed out written testimony, saying bottle bills act like a…

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