The House Commerce Committee has scheduled public hearings on two important alcohol-related bills on the morning of Thursday February 7th:
· HB1178 would authorize the liquor commission to allow an increase in the maximum alcohol content of flavored malt beverages by 33%, from 6% to 8%. Flavored malt beverages are sweet tasting alcoholic drinks such as Mike's Hard Lemonade, Smirnoff Ice, and alcoholic energy drinks (Tilt and Sparks) that are available in grocery and convenience stores. These products are marketed to and disproportionately consumed by underage youth and present a particular risk to underage girls. With the help of New Futures Leadership Partners a similar bill was defeated in 2007.
· HB1197 would repeal the current restrictions on "happy hour" advertising. Currently, advertising of "happy hour" (special drink prices available at specific times) is only allowed inside a licensed establishment. This bill would allow bars and restaurants to advertise "happy hour" without this restriction.
· New Futures opposes both of these bills. The scheduling of these two bills on the same day provides an opportunity for interested Partners to observe the House Committee process "up close." The hearings will be in room 302 of the Legislative Office Building in Concord and are scheduled at 10:30 a.m. (HB1178) and 11:00 a.m. (HB1197). Directions to the Legislative Office Building: http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/misc/directions/
Please note that it is likely that we will need your advocacy with Committee members at the time of its vote on the bills. Members of the Commerce Committee and the text of HB 117 and HB 1197 can be found at: http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/house/committees/committeedetails.aspx?code=H33. Please visit this page to determine if any of your Representatives are members of the Commerce Committee. STAY TUNED!
Please contact Tricia Lucas at 225-9540 or tlucas@new-futures.org with any question or if you need additional information.
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