New Hampshire: Are happy hour drink specials legal?
New Hampshire allows reduced-price drinks but requires food during promotions and bans free drinks.
Bars and restaurants must have food readily available whenever they advertise or promote drinks at a reduced price. State law bans giving away free drinks, apart from approved tastings. Cities and towns may ban outdoor signs advertising reduced drink prices. Package deals that bundle drinks with food or lodging are allowed if they state the amount of beverages and liquor included.
Conditions
- Food must be readily available during reduced-price promotions
- No free drinks
- Towns may ban exterior signs advertising reduced drink prices
What the law says
On-premises licensees shall make food readily available to guests any time alcoholic beverages are being advertised or promoted at a reduced price. ... No licensee shall give away free drinks to customers, patrons, members, or guests, in any manner.
Sources
- RSA 179:31, XIII and XI-a Official · gc.nh.gov
- RSA 179:44, I Official · gc.nh.gov
- RSA 179:42 (package deals) Official · gc.nh.gov
Confirm with the state
- Agency
- New Hampshire Liquor Commission
- Website
- nh.gov
How bordering states compare
- Maine Allowed with limitsMaine has no happy hour ban, but bans free drinks, unlimited drinks for a fixed price, and oversized servings.
- Massachusetts Happy hour bannedMassachusetts bans happy hours: bars must charge the same drink price all week.
- Vermont Happy hour bannedVermont bars and restaurants may not offer reduced drink prices for part of the day, though lower prices for a full day are allowed.
All 50 states for this question · Other topics in New Hampshire