Extended Last Call for Bars Approved

State lawmakers today voted to extend last call at bars and other establishments to 2 a.m.

Currently, state law mandates a 1 a.m. last call for alcohol service. The House agreed to the bill as amended by the Senate, with the following key language, according to the bill:

"On-premises licensees may sell from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., 7 days a week. The licensee may sell until 2:00 a.m. under conditions authorized by the legislative body of the city or town in which the premises are located if the legislative body adopts an ordinance authorizing such sales."

Supporters of the change said it aligns closing hours with bars in surrounding states. Current statute allows on-premise licensees to sell from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m., seven days a week.

The bill next goes to Gov. Maggie Hassan for review and approval. Hassan, in an interview with Patch, said she is inclined to support the bill with it allowing for local decision-making in the process. "With that provision in it," she said, "I think I'm comfortable with the bill."

Sponsors of the bill: Reps. Mark Warden (R-Manchester), Laura Jones (R-Rochester), and Emily Sandblade (R-Manchester).

Read the bill

RELATED

• Lawmakers Seek to Extend Last Call