Whether you’re a delivery driver, restaurant manager, or alcohol server, knowing these laws protects both your job and your employer’s license. Training is also key: while the state does not require delivery-specific certification, the
National Alcohol Delivery Training Certification helps drivers learn best practices for ID verification, safe handling, and compliance. For on-premise staff such as bartenders, sellers, and managers, the
New Hampshire Alcohol Awareness Training provides an additional layer of education, even though it is not yet state-approved.
- Only licensed restaurants, bars, and retailers may deliver alcohol.
- Third-party services like DoorDash, Grubhub, Uber Eats, and Amazon Flex cannot legally deliver alcohol in New Hampshire as of this writing.
- A Restaurant Delivery License (RDL) is required, costing $250 annually.
- Drivers must be W-2 employees of the licensed establishment.
- Minimum age: 17 years old to deliver alcohol (though many employers prefer 21+ for liability reasons).
- Drivers must carry a copy of the establishment’s license in the delivery vehicle.
- Deliveries must occur during legal alcohol sale hours, which vary by license type.
- Alcohol must remain in its sealed, original container.
- Deliveries must include food when originating from restaurants.
- Drivers must obtain a signed receipt upon delivery.
One of the most critical compliance areas for delivery drivers is New Hampshire’s open container law.
- It is illegal for drivers to have any open alcoholic beverage in the passenger area of their vehicle.
- An open container is defined as any container whose seal is broken or not in its original sealed condition.
- Alcohol must be transported in the trunk or in a separate, non-passenger compartment.
Passengers in vehicles for hire (taxis, limos, chartered buses) may possess alcohol in the passenger area, but drivers are never allowed to do so.
- Violating open container laws may result in a $150 fine.
- A first offense can lead to a 60-day license suspension; repeat offenses may carry up to a one-year suspension.
- Alcohol sales (and deliveries) can only happen during times permitted by law.
- Generally, licensed establishments may sell alcohol from 6:00 a.m. until 1:00 a.m., though hours may differ by license and municipality.
- Deliveries must match these hours—drivers cannot deliver outside of them.
- Consumers must be 21 years or older to purchase and receive alcohol.
- Drivers are required to check IDs on every alcohol delivery.
Effective September 5, 2025, New Hampshire designated “
social districts” where public consumption of alcohol is allowed in designated zones. While this doesn’t directly impact delivery drivers, it’s important context for the evolving alcohol laws in the state.
Ensure your employer has a valid Restaurant Delivery License (RDL).
Always keep a copy of the establishment’s license in your vehicle.
- Verify the customer is 21+.
- Use scanning technology when available to detect fake IDs.
- Only deliver alcohol in its original sealed container.
- Never transport opened or tampered products.
- Store alcohol in the trunk or a separate area.
- Never allow alcohol in the driver’s reach.
Only deliver during legal sale hours (6:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m. in most cases).
Obtain a signed receipt from the customer for every delivery.
- Can you have alcohol delivered in New Hampshire?
Yes, but only by licensed restaurants and retailers using their own W-2 employees. - What are the alcohol laws in New Hampshire?
NH regulates alcohol sales strictly. Delivery requires an RDL, open container laws must be followed, and alcohol must remain sealed during transport. - Is it legal to deliver alcohol in New Hampshire?
Yes, but only under the Restaurant Delivery License system—not through third-party apps. - How late can you have alcohol delivered in New Hampshire?
Generally, until 1:00 a.m., depending on local licensing rules. - Is it legal for DoorDash, Grubhub, and other delivery apps to deliver alcohol in New Hampshire?
No, as of September 2025, third-party platforms are not authorized to deliver alcohol in NH.
Even though New Hampshire doesn’t have a statewide mandate for delivery driver training, many employers and insurers require it for liability protection. Training covers:
- How to verify IDs effectively.
- Recognizing fake IDs.
- Handling intoxicated customers.
- Complying with open container and delivery hour laws.
By completing programs like the National Alcohol Delivery Training Certification, drivers can reduce risks and ensure safe, compliant deliveries.
For bartenders, servers, managers, and other on-premise staff, the New Hampshire Alcohol Awareness Training provides valuable knowledge, even if not state-approved.
Note: Even if the state currently does not require alcohol delivery drivers to have mandatory alcohol training or state-approved alcohol delivery certification, alcohol training can help with making sure that alcohol delivery remains lawful.
Alcohol delivery in New Hampshire is tightly regulated. Only licensed establishments with a Restaurant Delivery License may deliver alcohol, and they must use their own employees. Drivers need to follow open container laws, verify IDs, transport sealed containers, and deliver only during legal hours.
By staying trained, compliant, and informed, drivers and businesses can succeed in a market where the rules are strict but the opportunities are growing.
