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Bill

SB 24

allowing students under age 21 to taste wine in educational settings.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Daryl Abbas and 12 co-sponsors

New Hampshire law now permits students under 21 to taste wine in educational settings, enabling culinary and sommelier training while creating exceptions to underage drinking laws.

Signed by the Governor on 07/15/2025; Chapter 0214; Effective 09/13/2025
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Bill Summary · SB 24

Legislative bill overview

SB 24 permits students under age 21 to taste wine in educational settings in New Hampshire, creating a limited exception to underage drinking laws. The bill was signed into law by the Governor and became effective September 13, 2025, with bipartisan support indicated by a 15-0 committee vote.

Why is this important

This law enables wine education programs at schools and educational institutions to include actual tasting experiences rather than theory alone, potentially supporting culinary, hospitality, and sommelier training programs. It reflects a policy choice to distinguish between consumption for intoxication and consumption for educational purposes, similar to exceptions that exist in some other states.

Potential points of contention

  • Public health concerns: Opponents may argue that allowing any underage alcohol exposure normalizes drinking and contradicts evidence-based substance abuse prevention messaging
  • Implementation ambiguity: The bill's scope regarding what constitutes "educational settings" and oversight mechanisms could create enforcement challenges and inconsistent application across institutions
  • Liability and safety: Schools and educators may face increased liability concerns, and questions remain about how institutions will monitor student safety during tasting activities

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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