Committee Summary for Senate Commerce (02/04/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
SB280 2024-1453h 00:02:29.680 - 8:31:10 AM	Public Hearing	requiring a food delivery service to enter into an agreement with a food service establishment or food retail store before offering delivery service from that restaurant.	Ricciardi, Denise(R)[C-]2024
SB89 00:16:27.920 - 8:45:08 AM	Public Hearing	enabling non-citizens who are legally authorized to work in the United States to deliver alcohol.	Ricciardi, Denise(R)[C-]2024
SB79 00:31:09.960 - 8:59:50 AM	Public Hearing	enabling the use of self-pour automated systems by liquor commission licensees.	Lang, Timothy(R)[C+]2024
SB80 2024-1453h 00:46:38.720 - 9:15:19 AM	Public Hearing	consolidating licensing, auditing, and enforcement responsibilities for wholesale and retail e-cigarettes sales under the liquor commission.	Lang, Timothy(R)[C+]2024
SB87 01:01:02.079 - 9:29:43 AM	Public Hearing	relative to one day liquor license requirements and making salons and barber shops eligible for on-premise licenses.	Watters, David(D)[CT]2024

SB280 2024-1453h: Denise Richardi, State Senator for District 9 Support00:02:29.680 - 8:31:10 AM; Senator Richardi introduced Senate Bill 280, which aims to protect New Hampshire's restaurants, food retailers, and consumers by requiring food delivery platforms to secure formal agreements with restaurants before offering their services. She highlighted the issues of incorrect pricing, outdated menus, and lower quality customer experiences resulting from unauthorized listings by third-party delivery platforms. The bill is intended to enhance consumer protection, maintain business control over their brand, and promote fair business practices.
SB280 2024-1453h: Mike Summers, President CEO of the New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association Support00:04:48.880 - 8:33:29 AM; Mike Summers supported Senate Bill 280, explaining that the legislation had been effective from 2021 to 2023 but had lapsed due to a sunset clause. He stressed the need to reinstate the bill to prevent restaurants from facing untenable situations with unauthorized delivery services. Summers also mentioned a suggested technical amendment by DoorDash to add the words 'take and' before 'arrange' on line 13 of the bill, which he was open to as a friendly amendment. He discussed the broader impact of the bill, including enabling more competition in the food delivery market and protecting restaurants from misrepresentation.
SB89: Unknown Speaker Support00:16:27.920 - 8:45:08 AM; The speaker supported Senate Bill 89, which aims to clarify that non-citizens legally authorized to work in the U.S. can deliver alcohol. The bill is intended to support businesses, expand the workforce, and ensure regulatory consistency with employment laws. It would benefit restaurants, retailers, and delivery services, especially during peak seasons, without altering existing safeguards for age verification and responsible alcohol sales.
SB89: Mike Summers, President CEO of the New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association Support00:18:30.520 - 8:47:11 AM; Mike Summers supported Senate Bill 89, noting that it was brought to their attention by liquor enforcement that under current laws, H2B and J1 visa workers might not legally serve alcohol, despite historical practice. The bill aims to clarify that any legally authorized worker can serve alcohol, which is seen as a housekeeping measure to align with long-standing practices. Summers mentioned a worked-out amendment with liquor enforcement to clarify the language and ensure it covers all necessary workers.
SB79: Senator Tim Lang, Senate District 2 Support00:31:09.960 - 8:59:50 AM; Senator Tim Lang shared his experience from a trip to Wisconsin where he encountered a self-pour system using RFID wristbands. This system allowed patrons to pour their own beverages, charged by the ounce, with a cap at 32 ounces before a secondary assessment. He believes this system could address workforce issues in New Hampshire's hospitality industry by increasing efficiency. The bill includes a requirement for logs to be kept for three years to manage liability for over-serving. Lang noted that the legislation was modeled after laws in Connecticut and Wisconsin, with minor amendments suggested by the Liquor Commission.
SB79: Senator Murphy Information Only00:34:51.119 - 9:03:32 AM; Senator Murphy asked about the model legislation and the involvement of the Liquor Commission. Senator Lang confirmed that the bill was modeled after laws in Connecticut and Wisconsin, with amendments from the Liquor Commission, indicating their support.
SB79: Senator Re Information Only00:35:19.160 - 9:04:00 AM; Senator Re raised concerns about potential fraud in the self-pour system, suggesting it might not accurately track consumption if drinks are shared. Senator Lang responded that similar issues exist with current credit card systems and emphasized that bad actors would act regardless of the system in place.
SB79: Senator M Information Only00:37:42.520 - 9:06:23 AM; Senator M questioned whether the self-pour system would allow for a wider variety of options without the need for additional staff. Senator Lang confirmed that it would, enabling patrons to sample various beverages in small quantities, and noted no reported issues in other states implementing similar systems.
SB79: Chief Mark Armaganian, Director of Liquor Enforcement Licensing, and Deputy Chief Danielle Ston, Deputy Director Information Only00:39:45.240 - 9:08:26 AM; Chief Armaganian and Deputy Chief Ston explained that the self-pour system described in the bill is already in use under existing rules. They emphasized the thoroughness of their investigations and the responsibility of the licensees. They noted that Senator Lang's bill codifies existing practices with added safety measures, and they support the bill's approach to safety and innovation in the industry.
SB79: Senator Fenton Information Only00:44:53.440 - 9:13:34 AM; Senator Fenton inquired about the requirement for constant video monitoring of the automated system, expressing concern that it might be a barrier for small businesses. Chief Armaganian confirmed the requirement but acknowledged it could pose challenges.
SB80 2024-1453h: Senator Tim Lang, Lakes Region and Campton and Thornton Support00:46:38.720 - 9:15:19 AM; Senator Tim Lang introduced Senate Bill 80, which aims to consolidate the enforcement and licensing of tobacco products under the Liquor Commission. He explained that the bill emerged from a study commission he chaired last year, which identified issues with the current system involving two different agencies - the Department of Revenue and the Liquor Commission. The bill seeks to streamline the process, ensure proper tax collection, and address health issues related to tobacco products. An amendment was provided to the committee, mainly changing the term 'license' to 'tobacco tax certificate' throughout the bill.
SB80 2024-1453h: Alicia Preston, New Hampshire Vapor Association Support00:49:30.520 - 9:18:11 AM; Alicia Preston, representing the New Hampshire Vapor Association, expressed support for Senate Bill 80. She provided background on the origin of the bill, which stemmed from a request by the association to study how taxes are collected. She highlighted the problem of non-compliance leading to lost revenue for the state and unfair competition for association members who follow the rules. Preston emphasized the importance of the bill in leveling the playing field and ensuring proper tax collection.
SB80 2024-1453h: Brett Scott, New Hampshire Vapor Association and President of Smoker Haven Support00:50:29.240 - 9:19:10 AM; Brett Scott, from the New Hampshire Vapor Association and President of Smoker Haven, supported Senate Bill 80. He agreed with Alicia Preston's points and stressed the current unfair market conditions due to non-compliance. Scott believed that consolidating enforcement and licensing under one agency would lead to better compliance and a more level playing field for businesses.
SB80 2024-1453h: Jennifer Ramsey, Department of Revenue Administration Information Only00:51:21.480 - 9:20:02 AM; Jennifer Ramsey from the Department of Revenue Administration stated that she had signed up to highlight issues with the bill that were addressed by the amendment Senator Lang presented. She had no additional comments unless there were questions from the committee.
SB87: Senator David Waters, District 4 Support01:01:02.079 - 9:29:43 AM; Senator David Waters introduced Senate Bill 87, which aims to expand one-day liquor license eligibility to for-profit organizations and allow salons and barber shops to obtain on-premise liquor licenses. He acknowledged the collaboration with the Liquor Commission in developing the bill. The senator explained that the bill would enable businesses like jewelry stores and art galleries to host special events with alcohol and clarify where such events can occur. Additionally, the bill would allow wine tastings at unlicensed venues and legalize the common practice of offering alcohol in salons and barber shops.
SB87: Chief Armaganian, Liquor Commission Information Only01:04:09.680 - 9:32:50 AM; Chief Armaganian from the Liquor Commission answered questions about the fees associated with the new licenses proposed in Senate Bill 87. He explained that a cocktail lounge license currently costs $1,200, while a more appropriate fee for the new licenses might be $480. He noted that different fee structures would be needed for the various license types proposed in the bill, such as one-day licenses for for-profits and annual licenses for salons and barber shops. Armaganian also addressed a potential conflict with existing law regarding the ability to give away alcohol for free under the new licenses.
SB87: Senator Fent Information Only01:08:52.839 - 9:37:33 AM; Senator Fent posed questions to clarify aspects of the liquor licensing laws. He inquired about the necessity of serving food alongside liquor under certain licenses and was informed that food is required for a majority of license types. Additionally, he asked about the suspension clause in the bill, specifically line 25 on page one, which allows for the suspension of a license without warning if deemed contrary to public interest. The response clarified that this clause is intended for one-day events and has never been enacted, but serves as a safety measure for extreme cases such as public safety concerns or the presence of minors.
SB87: Unnamed Speaker (likely from the Liquor Commission) Information Only01:10:03.000 - 9:38:44 AM; The speaker, likely from the Liquor Commission, responded to Senator Fent's inquiries. They explained that the suspension clause is specific to one-day events, which differ from annual licenses that involve a hearing process. They emphasized that this clause is a precautionary measure for public safety, particularly in cases where the event becomes unmanageable or poses a risk. The speaker also discussed the application process for one-day for-profit licenses, noting that it includes local control elements such as sign-offs from town fire departments and code enforcement. They stressed that the process is efficient but does not compromise safety or local control, and there are mechanisms in place for due process and local input.

Innis, Daniel(Chairman)(R)[C+]2024	Ricciardi, Denise(V Chairman)(R)[C-]2024	Murphy, Keith(R)[B+]2024
Fenton, Donovan(D)[F]2024	McGough, Tim(R)	Reardon, Tara(D)