New Hampshire

The New Hampshire Liquor Commission (NHLC) is an independent state agency led by a Chairman and a Deputy Commissioner. NHLC is comprised of three divisions: the Division of Enforcement, Licensing and Education; the Division of Marketing and Sales; and the Division of Administration. NHLC controls the distribution of wine and spirits in the state through retail and wholesale.

Laws & Rules:

• TITLE XIII: Alcoholic Beverages
• State Liquor Commission Administrative Rules
• Industry Circular 2020-11 Law Changes Relative to Specialty Beverage – Effective July 27, 2020 the change establishes a new category of alcohol beverages titled “specialty beverage.”

Required: Yes

Name: Liquor and Wine Vendor

Fee: $300 – $12,000, plus $100 initial application fee

Expiration: 1 year from issue date

Secretary of State Registration: Yes

A Liquor and Wine Vendor License authorizes the licensee to sell liquor and/or wine products in the State of New Hampshire for which they are the primary source. To apply for this license the applicant must first, complete and submit the Liquor and Wine Vendor Request for Application form and pay a $100 processing fee. Upon receipt of the Request for Application, NHLC will send a Liquor and Wine Vendor application.

The fees for a Liquor and Wine Vendor License are:

• Sales of less than 1,000 cases per year, $300.
• Sales of between 1,000 and 5,000 cases per year, $1,500.
• Sales of between 5,000 and 10,000 cases per year, $3,000.
• Sales of between 10,000 and 25,000 cases per year, $6,000.
• Sales of between 25,000 and 50,000 cases per year, $9,000.
• Sales of over 50,000 cases per year, $12,000.

A winery may choose to work with a licensed broker rather than obtain their own license. A winery must designate a licensed representative who is a resident of NH.

Any person applying for a liquor and wine representative license shall have been a New Hampshire resident, or shall have at least one director, officer, or partner who has been a New Hampshire resident for at least 3 years immediately preceding the date of the application.

Resources:

• Complete an initial on- line application.
• Liquor and Wine Vendor (RSA 178:9)

Required: Control State

New Hampshire is a control State for wine, beer and spirits. All wine products must be listed with the state. Listing process requires a copy of the label to be submitted.

Wine Vendor licensees must submit price changes online at least 60 days before the quarterly effective date.

Franchise Law: No

Exclusive Territories: Not Required

New Hampshire is a control state. There is no franchise law for wine.

Required: No

Suppliers are not required to file regular sales reports with the Commission.

Available: Yes

Fee: $25

Expiration: 1 year from issue date

A Liquor Wine Representative license is needed to represent liquor and/or wine products on behalf of Liquor and Wine Vendors in the State of New Hampshire. To be eligible for this license a person must have been a New Hampshire resident for the last three years and be at least 21 years of age. To apply for this license complete an initial on-line application. Salespeople are not required to hold a license.

Resources:

• Complete an initial on- line application.
• Liquor and Wine Representative (RSA 178:10)

License: Allowed

License Fee: $100

License Expiration: 1 yr from issue date

Excise Tax: Mark-up Fee Required

Reporting: Required

Wineries with a valid Direct Shipper Permit may self-distribute a limited amount of wine to a licensee if that licensee has obtained prior approval from the Commission.

This permit requires monthly reporting and fee payments.

Resources:

• Direct Shipper Permit Application (under Forms)

• Industry Circular 2021-06: Promotional Items for On- Premises Licensees
• Industry Circular 2020-11: Law Changes Relative to Specialty Beverage
• Licensee Information Booklet
• Beer, Wine, and Liquor Tastings FAQ
• Liquor Commission FAQ
• Industry Circulars