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DameKumquat t1_ivketpl wrote

Reply to comment by TheFinestPotatoes in [OC] Alcohol Consumption in the United States 2022 by eqqqxy

Ah! I was thinking "I've heard NH is the state most like England, but this seems extreme", but that would make more sense.

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TheFinestPotatoes t1_ivkffd3 wrote

Everyone in northern Massachusetts does their shopping in New Hampshire. There’s no toll and a ten minute drive can save you hundreds of dollars when you’re buying computers, iPhones, TVs, etc

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DameKumquat t1_ivkfnub wrote

Is that no sales tax in NH then, or lower booze taxes too?

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SkiMWV t1_ivmb3fs wrote

It's complicated.

The state of NH sells hard liquor and wine directly through state liquor outlets. And there is no sales tax. Usually this results in lower prices but less variety for liquor compared to Massachusetts.

There is no sales tax on alcohol in MA, but there is a per-gallon excise tax. NH has so sales tax at all, but does charge an 8% "mark up fee" on private beer and wine sales. Private hard alcohol sales are forbidden. Because of the differing fee structures, whether MA or NH is cheaper varies on the price and volume of the product. Sticking apples to apples, I have found the Costco in MA sells wine cheaper than the same product in their NH store.

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forrealz42 t1_ivkgtum wrote

Probably both. Also, the lengths people will go to not to pay the deposit on their bottles. There are massive liquor stores right across the state line.

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