Punishment Likely for Bar After Drunk Hit-and-Run

An Exeter bar will likely be penalized after allegedly overserving a North Hampton man who police said was involved in a hit-and-run crash that seriously injured a bicyclist.

Merrill's Place Restaurant and Bar has reached a preliminary deal with the New Hampshire Liquor Commission's enforcement division that includes:

• $750 in fines
• Four points assessed against its liquor license
• A three-day liquor license suspension that will be held in abeyance pending no further violations
• Its staff complete alcohol management training

More details about the deal can be found in the document to the right under "PHOTOS."

Merrill's Place is located in the business plaza at 137 Epping Road in Exeter.

Police said John Fordham, a 69-year-old from North Hampton, drank at the bar before he . Fordham was "visibly intoxicated" at the bar, according to the liquor commission's Division of Enforcement.

Fordham is . The hit-and-run occurred Nov. 6, 2011.

The bicyclist suffered a broken back and serious head injuries but recovered.

Fordham was charged with conduct after an accident, a felony that carries up to seven years in state prison.

The enforcement divison is holding an official meeting tomorrow in Concord, during which it will likely approve the penalties against Merrill's Place.