It only took the NH Liquor Commission some 20+ years to discover that the Downeaster was serving alcohol while rolling through New Hampshire. Their state law requires that 'adult' beverages must be purchased in the Granite state in order to be served in the Granite state. Nexdine, the Massachusetts-based company that serves riders food and drinks in the Cafe car, was suddenly in violation of the law and would have to halt all alcohol sales by March 20th - no review, no exception, no nothing, just thirty-five dry miles when the train leaves Maine until it crosses the border into Massachusetts.
After the unpopular decision went public, the commission backpedaled, saying that alcohol sales could continue while they search for a "creative solution." When asked about the commission's decision, New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu said, “Not happening. First drinks are on me.”
New Hampshire is a Control State, one of 17 such states that manage the distribution and sale of liquor within their borders. It is a profitable state business as the last Annual Report of the commission stated, "NHLC generates nearly $800 million in annual sales and delivers about $175 revenue." The money is used for various programs.
There is a new potential threat to rail use of State-owned rail lines in Maine. In 2021, the Maine legislature passed, and Governor Mills signed, a bill that permits governmental entities representing communities along a rail line owned by the State of Maine to petition Maine’s Commissioner of Transportation to appoint a rail corridor use advisory council to facilitate discussion, gather information and provide advice to the commissioner regarding the further use of that line.
Read more: Potential Threat to State-Owned Rail Lines in Maine