Record liquor sales in NH

The NH Liquor Commission reports a record $678.4 million in sales for fiscal year 2016.  This translates into $155.6 million for the state’s general fund.

The commission attributed the record sales to new and renovated liquor stores, as well as new programs such as wine tastings.

According to the commission, funds from alcohol sales in New Hampshire “support critical programs including education, health and social services, transportation, and natural resource protection.” 

Liquor sales account for roughly 7% of unrestricted revenue in New Hampshire.  Unrestricted revenue is any revenue that is not earmarked for a specific purpose.    

Not everyone is happy about record sales of alcohol, however.  Some argue that by promoting liquor sales, the state is contributing to binge drinking, drunk driving, and alcoholism.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 18.3% of New Hampshire adults report binge drinking in the last 30 days.  The national average is 17%. 

After calculating reduced earnings, medical costs, and other factors, a study from the nonprofit New Futures concluded, “For every $1 the state collected in tax revenue from alcohol sales in 2012, $12 was ‘spent’ on problems arising from alcohol misuse.” 

Do you have an opinion on New Hampshire’s liquor sales?  Share your thoughts in the comment section.