Bill Text - HB642 (2019)

(New Title) defining specialty cider.


Revision: Jan. 16, 2019, 9:16 a.m.

HB 642 - AS INTRODUCED

 

 

2019 SESSION

19-0758

08/10

 

HOUSE BILL 642

 

AN ACT defining some ciders as specialty beers.

 

SPONSORS: Rep. J. Osborne, Rock. 4

 

COMMITTEE: Commerce and Consumer Affairs

 

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ANALYSIS

 

This bill defines some ciders as specialty beers.

 

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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.

Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]

Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

19-0758

08/10

 

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

 

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Nineteen

 

AN ACT defining some ciders as specialty beers.

 

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

 

1  Definition of Cider; Certain Ciders Excluded.  Amend RSA 175:1, XVI-a to read as follows:

XVI-a.  "Cider" means either the naturally fermented expressed juice of apples or the fermented expressed juice of apples to which activated yeast is added, containing not less than 1/2 of one percent alcohol by volume at 60 degrees Fahrenheit, which may contain flavoring, coloring or related ingredients and may be carbonated or fermented in a sealed container to produce a sparkling beverage or liquor.  Cider, as defined here, shall not include cider as defined in RSA 434:40-a.  Ciders having an alcohol content greater than 6 percent but not more than 12 percent by volume at 60 degrees Fahrenheit shall be considered specialty beers.

2  Specialty Beers; Certain Ciders Included.  Amend RSA 175:1, LXIV-a to read as follows:

LXIV-a.  "Specialty beer" means any beer as defined in RSA 175:1, VII intended for human consumption as a beverage, having an alcohol content greater than 6 percent but not more than 12 percent by volume at 60 degrees Fahrenheit.  Specialty beer shall possess the character and flavor of a beer and may contain added ingredients such as, but not limited to, molasses, maple syrup, honey, spices, herbs, fruits, nuts, chocolate, vanilla, or other nonbeverage ingredients.  Specialty beer shall not include a caffeinated or stimulant-enhanced malt beverage or flavor.  The commission may approve any specialty beer greater than 12 percent alcohol by volume at 60 degrees Fahrenheit.  The commission may approve any specialty beer as liquor as defined by RSA 175:1, XLII and shall establish rules for a listing procedure.  Specialty beer shall include ciders having an alcohol content greater than 6 percent but not more than 12 percent by volume at 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

3  Effective Date.  This act shall take effect upon its passage.