Bill > SB24

This bill creates a narrow exception to existing alcohol laws that allows students aged 18 and over who are enrolled in specific academic degree programs in enology (wine studies) or brewing to taste, but not consume, alcoholic beverages as part of their educational curriculum. To participate, students must first complete an alcohol education program provided by the liquor commission, and the tastings must occur only in facilities owned by a qualified academic institution (defined as a public college or university accredited by a recognized U.S. Department of Education commission). The alcoholic beverages must remain under the control of an authorized instructor who is at least 21 years old, and students cannot be charged for the samples. The bill emphasizes that this is strictly for educational purposes within specific degree programs, and students are only allowed to taste the beverage (drawing it into the mouth) without swallowing. The legislation also modifies existing laws to explicitly allow this exception, ensuring that participants and institutions will not be subject to criminal prosecution for underage tasting when all specified conditions are met. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage, providing time for academic institutions and the liquor commission to prepare implementation guidelines.

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https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=260&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=SB24