HB 1135  - AS INTRODUCED

2024 SESSION

24-2722

12/02

HOUSE BILL 1135

AN ACT relative to the definition of specialty beer.

SPONSORS: Rep. Grill, Hills. 18; Rep. Bouldin, Hills. 25; Rep. J. Sullivan, Graf. 2; Rep. Morse, Graf. 9

COMMITTEE: Commerce and Consumer Affairs

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ANALYSIS

This bill amends the definition of specialty beer by reducing the threshold level of alcoholic content.

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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.

Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]

Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

24-2722

12/02

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty Four

AN ACT relative to the definition of specialty beer.

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

1  Specialty Beer; Definition.  Amend RSA 175:1, LXIV-a to read as follows:

LXIV-a. "Specialty beer" means any beer as defined in RSA 175:1, VII intended for human consumption as a beverage, having an alcohol content greater than [6] 0.5 percent but not more than 12 percent by volume at 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Specialty beer shall possess the character and flavor of a beer and may contain added ingredients such as, but not limited to, molasses, maple syrup, honey, spices, herbs, fruits, nuts, chocolate, vanilla, or other nonbeverage ingredients. Specialty beer shall not include a caffeinated or stimulant-enhanced malt beverage or flavor. The commission may approve any specialty beer greater than 12 percent alcohol by volume at 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The commission may approve any specialty beer as liquor as defined by RSA 175:1, XLII and shall establish rules for a listing procedure.

2 Effective Date.  This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.