2 a.m. last call in NH? Bill to keep NH bars open later debated
CONCORD — A bill to extend last call later in New Hampshire will make the state's nightlife less “sleepy,” supporters of the legislation said in a hearing Tuesday.
House Bill 1227, sponsored by Rep. Jessica Grill, D-Manchester, would allow on-premises licensees to sell alcohol one hour later than they currently do, moving it from 1 a.m. to 2 a.m. It would also allow towns and cities to delay closing time from 2 a.m. to 3 a.m. if passed by ordinance or warrant article.
Rep. Jared Sullivan, D-Bethlehem, said his efforts to convince one of his best friends to move to New Hampshire failed because they felt the state is “too slow and quiet.” Instead, they moved to Providence, Rhode Island.
“We can all see the demographic problems that are happening in New Hampshire. We have the second oldest population, we’re one of the fastest aging populations,” Sullivan said. “I think this is one of the things to make New Hampshire more appealing to younger people.”
Currently, New Hampshire is one of 10 states that don't allow alcohol to be served after 1 a.m.
Tuesday's public hearing was in front of the Senate Commerce Committee. The bill has already passed the House and will be voted on by the full Senate at a date yet to be determined.
In addition to making New Hampshire more marketable to young people and tourists, Grill said, the bill will put more control in the hands of local communities and businesses.
New Hampshire State Police Capt. Steve Sloper said the bill would “obviously pose a risk to public safety.”
“These proposed hours of alcohol service can lead to an increase in alcohol-related stunts such as drunk driving, violence and public disturbances,” Sloper said. “This also puts a significant strain on the law enforcement community that we already know is significantly strained with a shortage of manpower.”
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Grill said she doesn’t believe the bill would have a negative impact on communities, stating no one should be driving under the influence, no matter what time of day or night, and there are plenty of options for getting home safely with ride-sharing apps or taxis.
Mike Somers, the president of the New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association, said a survey of its membership found about 60% opposed the bill. He also raised concerns about another bill, HB 279, which would increase penalties for overserving by 300%. The two bills together, he said, do not form a “synonymous message.”
Restaurant and bar owners recently interviewed in Portsmouth were divided on the potential hours extension, with some saying it would bring in more revenue while others don’t want to change the status quo. On Tuesday, committee members noted no business owners signed up to testify on the bill.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: NH debates bill to move last call at bars later to 2 a.m.
