NH bars likely to face tougher penalties for overserving: Here's how new law would work

CONCORD — New Hampshire bars and restaurants could be hit with much steeper penalties for overserving alcohol if a new bill becomes law.

In December, Portsmouth Gas Light Co. restaurant was fined $500 and given a three-day liquor license suspension by the New Hampshire Liquor Commission for serving a “visibly intoxicated” man before a fatal crash on Thanksgiving 2022.

If House Bill 279 is signed into law, the punishment for a similar offense would likely become much higher.

HB 279 would increase the maximum penalties from the current fine of $2,500 and a license suspension of 10 days to $7,500 and 30 days if the alcohol licensee serves someone “who is visibly intoxicated or who a reasonable and prudent person would know is intoxicated” and goes on to directly cause serious injury or death to someone else. These penalties would apply for both the first and second offense.

To read more, visit seacoastonline.com/story/news/2024/05/08/nh-bars-ltougher-penalties-overserving/73558818007.

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