govcampbell | Only in New Hampshire (Reply)

To begin, a little background.

Some of you may be aware that New Hampshire is one of those states where the State is the only entity allowed to sell liquor. Beer and wine you can get at any supermarket, but hard liquor must be purchased from the State. This is a revenue measure.

Now, in order to squeeze a few drops more revenue out of liquor sales, NH has made it convenient for out of staters and vacationers to find and by liquor.

By putting State Liquor stores in Interstate Highway Rest Areas. No joke people, you can pull off the highway, use a payphone, use the bathroom, get candy from a vending machine, and buy a fifth of Jack. (Or any other beverage of choice.)

Now, the funny story. I'm on my way home from work today, and sitting at a red light in front of a strip mall in Laconia. I'm browsing at the mall while I wait, looking to see what stores are there, when I notice a state liquor store in one of the store fronts. Nothing out of the ordinary, right? That is up until I read the sign on the storefront next to the liquor store.

"New Hampshire Department of Motor Vehicles: Licensing Division."

Yes, folks, you can get your license, celebrate, and lose it in one easy, convenient stop.

I love New Hampshire.