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Concord, Laconia Approve Social Districts as Keene, Nashua, Portsmouth Vote No

Local approvals trigger a rulemaking process prior to the opening of any outdoor drinking zones.

Overview

  • Concord and Laconia voters authorized the creation of social districts, while Portsmouth, Nashua and Keene rejected the measures.
  • Vote margins were roughly 56% in favor in Laconia and 52% in Concord, with opposition at about 56% in Portsmouth, 59% in Nashua and 63% in Keene.
  • The state law took effect in September with support from Gov. Kelly Ayotte and lets municipalities opt in after a public hearing and local vote.
  • Rules require non-glass containers of 16 ounces or less with “Drink Responsibly - Be 21” labeling, clear boundary signage, on-site purchase and consumption, and disposal before exiting a district.
  • Separate ballots rejected Keno in Concord, Keene and Portsmouth, and Portsmouth voters approved a prohibition on operating games of chance.