Alcohol and age limits

[KBCraig]

What are the rules in NH for age limits at places where alcohol is served?

The answer probably requires a run-down of the different types of licenses, so feel free to expound on that. (I've read the 500 series of rules at the Liquor Board site, and don't feel especially enlightened.)

Here's why I ask: around here, there are bars, and clubs, where no one under 21 may even legally enter, and it is usually a condition of the type of liquor license they hold. I don't hang out in bars or nightclubs, because I really don't want to go anywhere that my kids can't go (and the places that are off-limits are the kinds of places I wouldn't take them even if they were legal).

I like an old-fashioned pub atmosphere, the kind of place where you can have a beer and relax and discuss the news and weather, or watch a ball game, or throw darts. The kind of place where the kids can have a coke and eat popcorn.

When Mary lived in Iowa, there was no age restriction on entering bars. They were "pubs". They were strict about serving alcohol to minors, but they were welcome to be there. One of her favorite memories was hanging out at a bar with the Chicago Bears, who were in town for spring training camp. She would have been 15 or so at the time.

So, what's the situation in NH?

[aries]

Depends on where you are. I haven't seen a bar that cards on entry yet like there were when I was living in Connecticut, but I've never actually tried to order alcohol at a bar. I live across the street from a bar (my town used to have 2 bars, not counting those in Bretton Woods) and I have gone into the bar itself several times to pick up food that we ordered take-out. That's just where you're supposed to pick it up. So no, not every bar in NH has age-restricted entry requirements but I assume that some do.

Convenience stores, liquor stores and grocery stores are all extremely strict about carding, and it is virtually impossible for underage people to buy alcohol anywhere in the state... in stark contrast to 99% of the world where the liquor age is lower and the laws are spottily enforced if at all.

[KBCraig]

After I posted, I had a glimmer of a memory... something tickling the back of my mind. Then I combined it with the Liquor Board's 500-series rules. I think this is how it works:

- Private club. Mainly VFW/American Legion/Elks/etc., and social clubs. Must be a member or accompany a member as a guest before you can enter. Entrance is by bell/buzzer system only. Very strict requirements.

- Hotel bar. Hotels with liquor licenses (for their restaurants, or for room service) can have bars as well.

- Caterers (on-site and off-site), golf facilities, maybe some others have their own class of special licenses.

That's everything I remember, except for this one:
- Restaurant. This is what we're looking for. Almost all "bars" in NH are technically restaurants. I remembered this thread, where they shut down Jack Quigley's for not having a food permit. I vaguely recall an article about Omega being in trouble for not having a menu, or food available for purchase.

To sell alcohol for on-premises consumption in NH, you either have to be a restaurant, or a private club (with a few very narrow exceptions). Private club rules are very strict, but to be a restaurant, you only need a kitchen and a food permit.

I think that answers my question. Restaurants don't generally card at the door, nor restrict under-21. 

Kevin

[Jared]

I remembered this thread, where they shut down Jack Quigley's for not having a food permit.

sad memories 

[Jared]

What are the rules in NH for age limits at places where alcohol is served?

The answer probably requires a run-down of the different types of licenses, so feel free to expound on that. (I've read the 500 series of rules at the Liquor Board site, and don't feel especially enlightened.)

Here's why I ask: around here, there are bars, and clubs, where no one under 21 may even legally enter, and it is usually a condition of the type of liquor license they hold. I don't hang out in bars or nightclubs, because I really don't want to go anywhere that my kids can't go (and the places that are off-limits are the kinds of places I wouldn't take them even if they were legal).

I like an old-fashioned pub atmosphere, the kind of place where you can have a beer and relax and discuss the news and weather, or watch a ball game, or throw darts. The kind of place where the kids can have a coke and eat popcorn.

When Mary lived in Iowa, there was no age restriction on entering bars. They were "pubs". They were strict about serving alcohol to minors, but they were welcome to be there. One of her favorite memories was hanging out at a bar with the Chicago Bears, who were in town for spring training camp. She would have been 15 or so at the time.

So, what's the situation in NH?

there's really no straight answer. a lot of places card you right away, even if you don't intend to drink. others don't mind if younger people hang around and drink soda or whatever.

[Pat K]

Well when I get to NH you can always come over to my house, trailer, apt. or tent and have abeer.

[Jared]

Well when I get to NH you can always come over to my house, trailer, apt. or tent and have abeer.

or my place! oh it's OOOOOON Pat!!! 

[KBCraig]

Well when I get to NH you can always come over to my house, trailer, apt. or tent and have abeer.

Can we pee on the tent?

[Pat K]

NO!! I don't have many rules=Don't drink my last beer, don't crap on my bed and the new rule don't pee on my tent and tell me it's raining.

[citizen_142002]

You can go unescorted into a bar at 18, you just can't drink.

[KBCraig]

You can go unescorted into a bar at 18, you just can't drink.

But what's a "bar", and what's different about age 18, vice 14?

I didn't find a "bar" category in the NH regs, which is why I asked the question in the first place. Texas, for instance, defines a "bar" as a licensee that receives 51% or more of its revenue from the sale of alcohol for on-premises consumption. They have to have a different license.

I still don't see an age limit for going into a "bar", nor any definiton of "bar".

Kevin

[citizen_142002]

A businesslicensedto serve alocohol, i.e. ready to drink.

[aries]

I'm not sure you have to be 18 to enter a bar.

I don't think there's a minimum age. As I stated in my original post, I used to go into a bar all the time to pick up delivery food, and I've been in others in NH, before I turned 18. And I don't look definitely over 18.

[KBCraig]

A businesslicensedto serve alocohol, i.e. ready to drink.

Tongue in cheek? Or didn't bother reading the thread?