New Hampshire Alcoholic Beverage Market: Regulations, Statistics, Trends, and Wholesalers
New Hampshire presents a highly controlled yet consumer-friendly alcohol market that reflects the state’s unique regulatory approach and tax-free advantage. The Live Free or Die State operates as a control jurisdiction under the New Hampshire Liquor Commission (NHLC), which maintains exclusive control over spirits and wine sales through state-run stores while allowing more open distribution for beer and lower-alcohol beverages.
New Hampshire had an approximate population of 1.4 million people in 2024, with 1.1 million within the legal drinking age bracket. The state ranks 32nd in distilled spirits consumption, with annual sales of approximately 2.3 million 9-liter cases
The state’s alcohol industry features a robust production landscape with over 25 distilleries, 25 wineries, and 90 breweries contributing to the market’s vibrancy and variety. New Hampshire’s growth as a craft beverage destination reflects both its entrepreneurial spirit and increasingly sophisticated consumer preferences.
New Hampshire famously does not impose a sales tax on alcohol purchases, making liquor significantly cheaper compared to neighboring states and leading to substantial “liquor tourism” as out-of-state residents cross the border to purchase alcohol.
We’ve prepared a guide to the New Hampshire market, which covers the following topics:
- Consumption trends
- The most popular alcohol categories
- Local guidelines
If you need help establishing your presence in New Hampshire, provide your information below, and we’ll contact you to share more on how we can help.
Consumption Trends In New Hampshire
New Hampshire Spirits Consumption from 2020-2024 by 9-Liter Cases
-2.06% CAGR
New Hampshire Wine Consumption from 2019-2023 by 9-Liter Cases
-0.84% CAGR
New Hampshire Beer Consumption from 2019-2023 by 9-Liter Cases
1.18 CAGR
New Hampshire State Alcohol Licensing
New Hampshire operates as a control state with the New Hampshire Liquor Commission (NHLC) maintaining exclusive control over spirits and wine distribution through state-run stores, while beer and lower-alcohol beverages operate under more traditional licensing. The state provides a consumer-friendly environment through tax-free sales while maintaining strict regulatory oversight.
Common Licenses for Manufacturers in New Hampshire
Spirits
- Manufacturer’s License (Distillery License) – Authorizes the manufacture, bottling, and sale of distilled spirits at the distillery. Requires initial online application via NHLC website, complete application forms, site inspection by NHLC investigator, business information, ownership background checks, and proof of federal permits. Includes bottling, storage, on-premises sales, and wholesale privileges contingent upon further licensure and approval.
Wine
- Wine Manufacturer License – Authorizes manufacturing, bottling, and selling wine. Requires securable premises within New Hampshire, an office for business records, a separate securable storage room, and an appropriate tasting room if conducting tastings. Application requires Certificate of good standing from NH Secretary of State, lease or deed proving occupancy rights, business documentation, and town/city approval. Annual renewal required.
Beer
- Beverage Manufacturer License (Beer Manufacturer License) – Authorizes the manufacture of beer and specialty beverages. Producers manufacturing under 15,000 barrels/year can self-distribute up to 5,000 barrels to retailers. Nano-breweries (less than 2,000 barrels/year) and brewpubs (less than 2,500 barrels/year) can self-distribute.
Out-of-State Brand Requirements
Spirits
- All out-of-state spirits must be sold through the New Hampshire Liquor Commission’s state-run system. Suppliers must work directly with the NHLC for product listing and distribution.
Wine
- Wine products over 6% ABV must be sold through the New Hampshire Liquor Commission. Out-of-state wineries must register products and work through the state-controlled distribution system.
Beer
- Out-of-state beer producers must work with licensed distributors or qualify for direct shipping permits for products 6% ABV and under.
New Hampshire State Alcohol Regulations
Price Posting in New Hampshire
All wine and distilled spirits are sold to the State Liquor Commission. Prices must be submitted on quotation forms prescribed by the Commission, one form per brand/type. The Commission requires 60 days’ notification of price changes. Price changes may be made only four times per year, effective February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1. New items may be listed at any time at the Commission’s discretion.
Brand/Label Registration Requirements
Wine and Distilled Spirits: For wine products over 6% ABV, there is an initial registration fee of $20.00 for each size of a wine type listed with the State Liquor Commission, and a $15.00 annual maintenance fee thereafter. No similar requirement noted for distilled spirits.
Malt Beverages and Other Alcoholic Beverages 6% ABV and Under: No fee for product label approval.
Direct-to-Consumer Sales and Delivery
All Categories
- Direct Shipper Permit – Any person or entity licensed as a wine or beverage manufacturer, importer, wholesaler, or retailer in the state where their business is located may apply for a Direct Shipper Permit to ship their products directly to New Hampshire residents and, under certain conditions, to retail licensees.
Wine
- In-state wineries may sell directly to consumers through tasting rooms and qualified direct shipping arrangements.
Beer
- Nano-breweries and brewpubs may self-distribute directly to consumers and retailers within production limits.
- Products 6% ABV and under are eligible for broader direct-to-consumer shipping.
Spirits
- Direct-to-consumer sales are limited to on-premises sales at licensed distilleries.
Retailer Delivery
Restaurant Delivery License – On-premises retailers may purchase a restaurant delivery license from the Commission for $250. License expires one year after issue and may be renewed for $250 annually. Licensees may ship beverages and wines to consumers under specific conditions and regulations established by the NHLC.
New Hampshire Spirits Volume By Category – 2024 Data
Spirit trends in New Hampshire by volume and dollar sales in 2024.
| Category | Volume Sales 9-liter cases |
|---|---|
| Straight Whiskey | 278 |
| Canadian Whisky | 98 |
| Scotch whisky | 99 |
| Irish whiskey | 59 |
| Gin | 119 |
| Vodka | 748 |
| Rum | 255 |
| Tequila | 171 |
| Cordials/Liqueurs | 357 |
| Cocktails | 91 |
Source: Beverage Information Group
New Hampshire Beer Volume Sales By Category – 2023 Data
Beer trends in New Hampshire by volume sales in 2023
| Category | Volume Sales 9-liter cases |
|---|---|
| Craft | 3.1 |
| FMBs & Hard Seltzer | 3.1 |
| Super & Super Premium | 2.7 |
| Light | 7.3 |
| Popular | 0.9 |
| Imported | 3.4 |
Source: Beverage Information Group
New Hampshire Wine Volume Sales By Category – 2023 Data
Wine trends in New Hampshire by volume sales in 2023
| Category | Volume Sales 9-liter cases |
|---|---|
| Table | 2.6 million |
| Wine Based RTD | 153,000 |
| Dessert & Fortified | 64,300 |
| Vermouth & Aperitif | 19,300 |
Source: Beverage Information Group
Alcoholic Beverage Distributors Located In New Hampshire
Below you will find an updated list of the top distributors located in the state of New Hampshire. Need more info on the many distributors of alcohol throughout the US? Check out the full list of distributors or fill out the contact form provided.
| Customer Name | Address | City |
|---|---|---|
| Amoskeag Beverages – NH | 510 Hall St | Bow |
| Bay State Wine and Spirits | 10 Belmont Circle | Hampton |
| Bayside Distributing – NH | 277 Route 125 | Brentwood |
| Bellavance Beverages Co. – NH | 120 Northwest Blvd. | Nashua |
| Bellavance Beverages Co. – NH (Hooksett) | 1000 Quality Drive | Hooksett |
| Craft Beer Guild – NH | 4 Cutts Street #4 | Portsmouth |
| DHL Bow Distribution Center – NH | 1403 NH-3A | Bow |
| El Tinieblo International – NH | 683 NH-3A | Bow |
| Grapes & Grain Distribution – NH | 10 Lorden Ln. | Brookline |
| Horizon Beverage – NH (Bow) | Bow | |
| Horizon Beverage – NH (Concord) | Bow | |
| Horizon Beverage – NH (Nashua) | 27 Airport Road, | Nashua |
| Horizon Beverage – VT | 44 CHENELL DRIVE, | CONCORD |
| Jon A. Hildreth | 39 Clearwater Place | Laconia |
| Jon Hildreth – NH | 39 CLEARWATER PL | Laconia |
| M.S. Walker – NH (Bow) | Bow | |
| Martignetti Companies – NH (Bow) | 683 Route 3A | Bow |
| Martignetti Companies – NH (Manchester) | P.O. Box 1113 | Manchester |
| Martignetti Companies – NH (Nashua) | 27 Airport Road, | Nashua |
| Milton Distributing – NH (Bow) | TBA | Bow |
| New Hampshire Distributors – NH | 1403 Route 3A | Bow |
| New Hampshire State Liq. Comm. – NH | 78 Regional Drive, | Concord |
| Pearl Lake Distributors – NH | 1430 NH-3A | Bow |
| Perfecta Wine Company – NH | 105 Gay St | Manchester |
| Pine State Beverage – NH | 1403 RT 3A Bow | New Hampshire |
| Pine State Beverage Co. | BOW | |
| PSP Wines – NH | Portsmouth | |
| PSP Wines of New Hampshire LLC | 16 West Street | Beverly |
| R.P. Imports – NH (Manchester) | 62 Lowell Street, Suite 5, | Manchester |
| Republic Nat Dist Co – NH | 1403 Route 3A | Bow |
| Republic Nat Dist Co – NH (Concord) | 44 CHENELL DR | CONCORD |
| Ruby Wines – NH (Manchester). | 105 Gay Steet | Manchester, |
| Ruby Wines New Hampshire, Inc – NH | 1403 Route 3A | Bow |
| Southern Glazer’s – NH (Bow) | Bow | |
| Southern Glazer’s – NH (Storrs) | 50 Storrs St, | Concord |
| Southern Glazer’s W&S- NE. | 78 Regional Drive | Concord |
| Southern Wine & Spirits – NH | Bow | |
| Spirited Cocktails – NH | 46 Pettengill Rd | Londonderry |
| Stone Fence Beverage | Manchester | |
| The Sea Hagg Distillery – NH. | 119 Broadway | Dover |
| Ultra Beverage Company – NH (Bow) | 1403 Route 3A | Bow |
| Vacationland Distributors – NH | 20B Owens Ct | Hampstead |
| Vinextra – NH | PO Box 3833 | Concord |
| Vinilandia – NH (Portsmouth) | Portsmouth |
Selling Alcohol In New Hampshire
FAQs on New Hampshire Beer, Wine & Spirits Sales
What are the policies regarding the sale of alcohol on Sundays in New Hampshire?
Alcohol can be sold on Sundays in New Hampshire, and all retailers and state-run liquor stores are free to sell alcohol on Sundays.
What are the hours retailers can sell alcohol?
On-premise sales are from 6 AM to 1 AM, and off-premise alcohol sales are from 6 AM to 11.45 PM.
Do Walmart, Target, and CVS sell alcohol in New Hampshire?
Yes, Walmart, Target, and CVS can sell wine and beer between the prescribed hours of 6 AM to 11.45 PM.
Do they sell liquor, wine, or beer in grocery stores in New Hampshire?
Grocery stores in New Hampshire can sell wine and beer; the ABV is capped at 14%. Distilled spirits are only sold at state-run liquor stores.
Do they sell liquor, wine, or beer in gas stations in New Hampshire?
Gas stations can sell wine and beer capped at 14% ABV, while they are not allowed to sell distilled spirits.
What is the alcohol excise tax in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire charges the following alcohol excise tax:
- Beer Tax – $0.30/gallon
- Wine Tax – No tax
- Distilled Spirits Tax – State-controlled sale of spirits does not require an additional excise tax
Buying Alcohol In New Hampshire – Hours, Locations & Taxes
FAQs on Buying Beer, Wine & Liquor in New Hampshire
Can you buy liquor in grocery stores in New Hampshire?
Only wine and beer capped at 14% ABV can be sold at grocery stores in New Hampshire; distilled spirits can only be sold at state-run liquor stores.
Can you buy alcohol in gas stations in New Hampshire?
You can buy wine and beer with less than 14% ABV in gas stations in New Hampshire; distilled spirits can only be sold at state-run liquor stores.
Does New Hampshire allow direct-to-consumer shipping?
New Hampshire continues to allow the direct-to-consumer sale of wine and beer with a DTC permit. Consumers must provide proof of age, and the limit is 12 cases or 60 containers per person per year. No changes have been made to these rules as of 2025.
What times can you buy liquor, wine, or beer in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire allows off-premise sales of alcohol daily from 6 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. and on-premise sales from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. Additionally, starting September 5, 2025, adults 21 and older may legally purchase to-go alcoholic drinks from bars and restaurants and consume them while walking within designated public “social districts” or “sip and stroll” areas. The specific hours and boundaries of these districts are set by local municipalities.
Can you order alcohol to go in New Hampshire?
Yes, beer and wine can be ordered to go with food orders as unopened containers. Beginning September 5, 2025, the new law permits to-go alcohol purchases that can be consumed within designated social districts. Mixed drinks and distilled spirits are not covered under this provision.
Where in New Hampshire can you buy alcohol off-premise?
The off-premise sale of alcohol (beer and wine) in New Hampshire is from 6 AM to 11.45 PM in various retail stores like grocery stores, convenience stores, package stores, and gas stations. Distilled spirits are sold only in state-run liquor stores.
Where can you buy alcohol for on-premise consumption in New Hampshire?
The on-premise sale of alcohol in New Hampshire is from 6 AM to 1 AM in bars, restaurants, clubs, pubs, and hotels.
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Data Source – nh.gov
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