MERRIMACK, N.H. —
Governor Chris Sununu signed House Bill 279, also known as the Elizabeth Croke Law, into legislation on Friday. This new law enforces stricter penalties on establishments that overserve alcohol, aiming to prevent future tragedies.
Elizabeth Croke, the namesake of the law, tragically lost her life in April 2021 in a head-on collision on the Everett Turnpike. The 20-year-old was driving southbound after passing the Bedford tolls when she was struck by a vehicle traveling the wrong way. Both she and the 24-year-old driver of the other car died in the crash. Investigations revealed that the other driver had been overserved at a bar in Windham before the incident.
“Elizabeth was an outgoing, beautiful girl with a larger-than-life personality who loved everybody,” recalled her father, Dave Croke.
The new law increases the maximum fines for establishments that overserve alcohol from $2,500 to $7,500 if such overserving results in injury or death. Representative Michael Cahill highlighted the importance of this law as an incentive for businesses to ensure their servers undergo free training provided by the Liquor Enforcement Division. This training is focused on preventing overserving.
“Having the servers trained reduces the number of days the license can be suspended by two-thirds, which is of greater impact than the increased fines—fines that can still be reduced or waived at the discretion of the Liquor Commission,” Cahill stated.
The law also extends the maximum suspension period for liquor licenses from 10 days to 30 days. Additionally, establishments will be required to publicly announce when and why their liquor license has been suspended.
“This legislation went through the House and Senate over a period of four years, unanimously. A lot of work was put into this bill to keep citizens safe,” said Representative Maureen Mooney.
Dave Croke expressed his emotions on the law being passed, “Today’s a good day. We’re really happy about today, and Elizabeth was a very special girl. I know her spirit is alive and well, and she’s watching over us.”
The Elizabeth Croke Law is seen as a significant step towards enhancing public safety and ensuring that alcohol-serving establishments are held accountable for their role in preventing alcohol-related accidents and fatalities.