RSA 179:10-b · Consumption by Minors; Educational Settings

179:10-b Consumption by Minors; Educational Settings. –

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I.

In this section:

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(a)

"Qualified academic institution" means a public college or university accredited by a commission recognized by the United States Department of Education.

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(b)

"Qualified student" means a student enrolled in a qualified academic institution who is at least 18 years of age.

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(c)

"Taste" means to draw an alcoholic beverage into the mouth, but does not include swallowing or otherwise consuming the alcoholic beverage.

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II.

A qualified student may taste an alcoholic beverage, and both the student and the qualified academic institution in which the student is enrolled shall not be subject to criminal prosecution under RSA 179:10, if all of the following criteria are met:

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(a)

A qualified student shall attend and complete an alcohol educational program, provided by the liquor commission, before the student tastes any alcoholic beverage provided by the qualified academic institution.

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(b)

The qualified academic institution shall maintain records of tastings which shall include the course number, instructor, location of the tasting, and listing of alcoholic beverages tasted. Such records shall be made available to the liquor commission upon request.

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(c)

Tastings of alcoholic beverages shall be limited to facilities owned and controlled by the qualified academic institution.

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(d)

Qualified students shall not be charged for alcoholic beverages provided for sampling.

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(e)

The qualified student tastes the alcoholic beverage while enrolled in a qualified academic institution.

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(f)

The qualified academic institution has established an associate's degree or bachelor's degree program in enology or brewing that is designed to train industry professionals in the production of wine or beer.

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(g)

The qualified student tastes the alcoholic beverage for educational purposes as part of the instruction in a course required for an associate degree or bachelor degree.

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(h)

The alcoholic beverage remains in the control of an authorized instructor of the qualified academic institution who is at least 21 years of age.

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III.

Nothing in this section shall be construed to allow a student under 21 years of age to receive an alcoholic beverage unless it is delivered as part of the student's curriculum requirements.

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IV.

A license or permit is not required to be held by a qualified academic institution engaging in the activities authorized by this section, provided an extra fee or charge is not imposed for the alcoholic beverages tasted. Source. 2025, 214:1, eff. Sept. 13, 2025.

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