New Law Lets Hampton Beach Bars Stay Open Longer

Gov. Maggie Hassan signed a bill into law Thursday that will let bars stay open until 2 a.m.

Currently, bars must close by 1 a.m. The extension takes effect Jan. 1, 2014. The new statute now reads, for hours of sale for on-premise liquor licensees:

"On-premises licensees may sell from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., 7 days a week. The licensee may sell until 2:00 a.m. under conditions authorized by the legislative body of the city or town in which the premises are located if the legislative body adopts an ordinance authorizing such sales."

Supporters of the change said it aligns closing hours with bars in surrounding states.

Hassan, in an interview with Patch, said she supports the bill because it allows for local decision-making in the process. The governing body of a community would have to approve the extension for it to take effect.

Sponsors of the bill are Reps. Mark Warden (R-Manchester), Laura Jones (R-Rochester), and Emily Sandblade (R-Manchester).

Read the bill