College Sports Update: New Hampshire Lawmakers To Lift Ban On Serving Alcohol In Most University Sports Arenas
ByCollege sports in New Hampshire is breathing some fresh air after lawmakers agreed to lift state law bans most university sports arenas from serving alcohol.
Lawmakers' decision to change that prohibition gives way to beer and happier times at college sports evernts. On Wednesday, a committee conference settled to allow stadiums sell beer or liquor during college sporting events. But the facilities will only be allowed to sell alcohol in sites approved by the Liquor Commission, where a special license would be necessary to go on business, according to the Concord Monitor.
The University of New Hampshire and other institutions depends on this provision to attract more guests in their sporting amenities. Which made it a seemingly reasonable measure, Senate Majority Leader Jeb Bradley told Concord Monitor.
The current law reads that no alcohol can be sold or consumed in stadium seating or sky boxes at interscholastic and intercollegiate events. However the ban at interscholastic events would maintain in place.
After the approval, CM reported, some colleges are earning interest in applying for the projected liquor license. UNH plans to make alcohol available in sky boxes at the Whittemore Center and at the new football stadium whenever games are on, said spokesman Thomas Cronin. Meanwhile, Dartmouth College has not issued a statement regarding the matter.
The Liquor Commission supports the modification and is going to work with stadium owners, managers and staff as they apply for licenses, said spokesman E.J. Powers. Although the compromise was agreed on by a committee of House and Senate members last Wednesday. It still needs approval from the full chambers before it moves up to Gov. Maggie Hassan's desk for final approval, CM cited.
Allowing stadiums to sell alcohol during college sporting events takes New Hampshire in line with the rest of the civilized world, said Sen. Lou D'Allesandro, a Manchester Democrat who filed the bill. This provides them better surroundings to do the tailgating and may enjoy each other's company in the limits of the stadium. A much better situation, he added.