Proposed legislation would make it easier for small restaurants to obtain a liquor license

CONCORD — Proposed legislation would make it easier for small restaurants to obtain a liquor license. Rep. Jared Sullivan, D-Bethlehem, is the primary sponsor for House Bill 1540 to ease liquor license food service requirements. The Senate approved HB 1540 by voice vote on May 23, and the bill heads to a final vote in the House. Currently, restaurants must serve “full course meals” to sell distilled spirits. Full-course meals are defined as food typically consumed with utensils while sitting. HB 1540 would change that and allow restaurants to meet the “full course meal” requirement with food that can be eaten by hand while standing, such as hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza and tacos. The bill would also strike liquor license requirements that food be made on-site (to allow for pre-made items). In addition, the liquor commission could waive the requirement that restaurants have a minimum of 20 seats (to allow for smaller establishments). Those changes would make it easier for small-scale restaurants to open their doors and would improve their odds for long-term survival.