New Hampshire State Liquor Stores

TheTimeTraveler · 07-13-2019, 10:38 AM

So I was having an interesting conversation with my spouse this morning about remembering the days when you went into one of the NH State Liquor Stores, stood at the front of the counter, and told the clerk exactly what you wanted to buy. He/she would then disappear behind the counter for a few minutes and miraculously reappear with your order for which you then paid for in cash or check (credit cards? Gosh no!). They called them full service Liquor Stores.

The stores I remember specifically were in Pittsfield and Wolfeboro, but it was the exact same way all over the state, as well as the State of Maine.

In any event, I am wondering how many folks out there remember this?

Also, out of curiosity, does anyone know if any of these full service liquor stores still exist in the State of New Hampshire or have all of them been phased out and replaced with self service? I am thinking that one or two may still exist somewhere in the state where expansion space is tight or not feasible.

BroadHopper · 07-13-2019, 10:56 AM

There was one in Laconia where Sunflower is currently. They did not have wine back then and limited number of high end liquor. There was three people waiting on customers. They knew everyone in town by name!

joey2665 · 07-13-2019, 11:31 AM

Just an FYI. They are running a sale til 7/26. Spend 150.00 get a 25.00 gift card

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Biggd · 07-13-2019, 02:01 PM

There was a time when everything was full service. Now it seems like you are the employee and you pay more for the aggravation of doing everything your self, including check out. Every business is going that way, DYI whether you want to or not.

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camp guy · 07-13-2019, 02:54 PM

I remember going with my father to the liquor store in Wolfeboro Falls and it was exactly as you describe it. Seems to me it was a limited selection with essentially no display area, only a small, stand up desk to write on. It didn't take the State long to figure out that they could make a ton of money by going into the DIY business and greatly expanding the display area, and keep in control all at the same time.

Aunt Lula · 07-13-2019, 03:30 PM

My parents would go into the liquor store in Wolfeboro Falls while we kids would go to the Post Office across the parking lot to pick up our mail. No PO Box, we would just ask the clerk for our mail. (1960 thru 1975?). There was also a moccasin store (Minnetonkas?) next to the PO.

jbolty · 07-13-2019, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by camp guy

I remember going with my father to the liquor store in Wolfeboro Falls and it was exactly as you describe it. Seems to me it was a limited selection with essentially no display area, only a small, stand up desk to write on. It didn't take the State long to figure out that they could make a ton of money by going into the DIY business and greatly expanding the display area, and keep in control all at the same time.

almost all stores were like that. the supermarket concept was a big novelty originally and took a while to catch on.

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart...ore-180964708/

The old liquor store in Meredith I think was the full service type. I think it's the napa now, just north of the light on the right

winni83 · 07-13-2019, 06:29 PM

That was the way all the State liquor stores were back in the day. There was a large poster board with the various items and maybe a code. You filled out a slip, took it to the counter and the clerks went out back to fill your order. My recollection was that the stores were all painted green, hence the phrase “going to Dr. Green’s”, often used in the presence of children.😎

winni83 · 07-13-2019, 07:17 PM

It has been a while since I have been there, but Young’s Store in Pittsburgh, NH was an “Agency” liquor store, meaning that there were a few aisles dedicated to the sale of hard liquor. Seems the State did not want to invest in its own store.

garysanfran · 07-13-2019, 07:38 PM

The neighboring southern State...

They're called "package stores"...

Hillcountry · 07-13-2019, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by garysanfran

The neighboring southern State...

They're called "package stores"...

Hey hun...I’m takin da caah tada PACKIE...howya fixed fa booooze?

garysanfran · 07-13-2019, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hillcountry

Hey hun...I’m takin da caah tada PACKIE...howya fixed fa booooze?

Just a brown paper bag...

Kamper · 07-14-2019, 06:45 AM

I was about 8 or 9, when they opened the store in Nashua near what is now exit 2. My parents and neighbors were talking about how it was a super-market for liquor.

ishoot308 · 07-14-2019, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by winni83

It has been a while since I have been there, but Young’s Store in Pittsburgh, NH was an “Agency” liquor store, meaning that there were a few aisles dedicated to the sale of hard liquor. Seems the State did not want to invest in its own store.

Young’s does in fact still sell liquor! It’s a great store! Always a must stop when visiting the north woods!

Dan

Biggd · 07-14-2019, 02:31 PM

Remember the supermarkets with the grocery trolley? They would bag your groceries and put them on the trolley to an employee outside who would put them in your car when you drove up with your ticket.

BroadHopper · 07-15-2019, 06:08 AM

I remember driving into a warehouse, give a guy a list of what you want, including beer and wine. As you drive through the warehouse he stock your car that's on the list. At the end of the building was the cashier! Talk about convenience! This was over near Lake Erie.

Descant · 07-15-2019, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biggd

Remember the supermarkets with the grocery trolley? They would bag your groceries and put them on the trolley to an employee outside who would put them in your car when you drove up with your ticket.

That is now called "Hannaford to Go" You order on line, drive up, somebody brings out your order takes payment and you drive off.

tis · 07-15-2019, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Descant

That is now called "Hannaford to Go" You order on line, drive up, somebody brings out your order takes payment and you drive off.

Even little Harvest Market in Wolfeboro has that now. You can call ahead and they will bring your order out to you when you call after you arrive.

Paugus Bay Resident · 07-15-2019, 07:09 PM

Remember going to the Nashua state store in the 60s. with my dad. I was around 10 and went to pick up the bag. Big no-no I was told by the clerk. Funny what you remember. I can remember that but not what I had for breakfast

The Real BigGuy · 07-16-2019, 07:09 AM

I went to a liquor store in MA with my 27 year old son (I’ll grant he looks young) who had forgotten his wallet (funny how that happens). When we went to check out he picks up a bottle and hands it to me. The clerk asked him for his ID, which he didn’t have. Since he didn’t have it the clerk wouldn’t sell me the booze. We walked out leave about $200 in beer & wine in the cart.

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BroadHopper · 07-16-2019, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Real BigGuy

I went to a liquor store in MA with my 27 year old son (I’ll grant he looks young) who had forgotten his wallet (funny how that happens). When we went to check out he picks up a bottle and hands it to me. The clerk asked him for his ID, which he didn’t have. Since he didn’t have it the clerk wouldn’t sell me the booze. We walked out leave about $200 in beer & wine in the cart.

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My daughter just turned 21, looking young and attractive! She wanted to buy booze for her 21 party at a 'packie' in Boston. She came out and looks disappointed. She wanted to show the guy she was 21 and was never carded!

Top-Water · 07-18-2019, 05:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Real BigGuy

I went to a liquor store in MA with my 27 year old son (I’ll grant he looks young) who had forgotten his wallet (funny how that happens). When we went to check out he picks up a bottle and hands it to me. The clerk asked him for his ID, which he didn’t have. Since he didn’t have it the clerk wouldn’t sell me the booze. We walked out leave about $200 in beer & wine in the cart.

Walmarts in New Hampshire will do the same thing, if a younger looking person puts/brings alcohol up to the register and tries to have it purchased by a parent or adult, unless the younger looking person has the ID ....... they won't allow a sale to either.

joey2665 · 07-18-2019, 06:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Real BigGuy

I went to a liquor store in MA with my 27 year old son (I’ll grant he looks young) who had forgotten his wallet (funny how that happens). When we went to check out he picks up a bottle and hands it to me. The clerk asked him for his ID, which he didn’t have. Since he didn’t have it the clerk wouldn’t sell me the booze. We walked out leave about $200 in beer & wine in the cart.

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Just send him out to the car and go to a different checkout line.

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The Real BigGuy · 07-18-2019, 06:50 AM

Doesn’t work that way in a one check out store.

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joey2665 · 07-18-2019, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Real BigGuy

Doesn’t work that way in a one check out store.

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Very true!!

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07-13-2019, 10:38 AM	#1
TheTimeTraveler Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Posts: 888 Thanks: 279 Thanked 288 Times in 178 Posts	New Hampshire State Liquor Stores So I was having an interesting conversation with my spouse this morning about remembering the days when you went into one of the NH State Liquor Stores, stood at the front of the counter, and told the clerk exactly what you wanted to buy. He/she would then disappear behind the counter for a few minutes and miraculously reappear with your order for which you then paid for in cash or check (credit cards? Gosh no!). They called them full service Liquor Stores. The stores I remember specifically were in Pittsfield and Wolfeboro, but it was the exact same way all over the state, as well as the State of Maine. In any event, I am wondering how many folks out there remember this? Also, out of curiosity, does anyone know if any of these full service liquor stores still exist in the State of New Hampshire or have all of them been phased out and replaced with self service? I am thinking that one or two may still exist somewhere in the state where expansion space is tight or not feasible.

07-13-2019, 10:56 AM	#2
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,583 Thanks: 3,226 Thanked 1,106 Times in 796 Posts	Full Service There was one in Laconia where Sunflower is currently. They did not have wine back then and limited number of high end liquor. There was three people waiting on customers. They knew everyone in town by name! __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

07-13-2019, 02:54 PM	#5
camp guy Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: formerly Winter Harbor, still Wolfeboro Posts: 1,190 Thanks: 301 Thanked 527 Times in 294 Posts	NH Liquor Stores I remember going with my father to the liquor store in Wolfeboro Falls and it was exactly as you describe it. Seems to me it was a limited selection with essentially no display area, only a small, stand up desk to write on. It didn't take the State long to figure out that they could make a ton of money by going into the DIY business and greatly expanding the display area, and keep in control all at the same time.

07-13-2019, 03:30 PM	#6
Aunt Lula Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Fairfield, CT Posts: 23 Thanks: 5 Thanked 6 Times in 5 Posts	My parents would go into the liquor store in Wolfeboro Falls while we kids would go to the Post Office across the parking lot to pick up our mail. No PO Box, we would just ask the clerk for our mail. (1960 thru 1975?). There was also a moccasin store (Minnetonkas?) next to the PO. __________________

07-13-2019, 07:38 PM	#10
garysanfran Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: San Francisco/Meredith Posts: 1,575 Thanks: 668 Thanked 682 Times in 348 Posts	I believe in Massachusetts... The neighboring southern State... They're called "package stores"... __________________ Gary ~~~~_/) ~~~ ~~~~~~~~

The Following User Says Thank You to TheTimeTraveler For This Useful Post:
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07-13-2019, 11:31 AM	#3
joey2665 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Meredith Bay & LI, NY Posts: 3,222 Thanks: 1,219 Thanked 1,009 Times in 649 Posts	Just an FYI. They are running a sale til 7/26. Spend 150.00 get a 25.00 gift card Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to joey2665 For This Useful Post:
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07-13-2019, 02:01 PM	#4
Biggd Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Waltham Ma./Meredith NH Posts: 4,160 Thanks: 2,245 Thanked 1,197 Times in 763 Posts	There was a time when everything was full service. Now it seems like you are the employee and you pay more for the aggravation of doing everything your self, including check out. Every business is going that way, DYI whether you want to or not. Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

07-13-2019, 06:29 PM	#8
winni83 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Moultonborough, NH Posts: 431 Thanks: 17 Thanked 213 Times in 135 Posts	That was the way all the State liquor stores were back in the day. There was a large poster board with the various items and maybe a code. You filled out a slip, took it to the counter and the clerks went out back to fill your order. My recollection was that the stores were all painted green, hence the phrase “going to Dr. Green’s”, often used in the presence of children.😎

07-13-2019, 07:17 PM	#9
winni83 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Moultonborough, NH Posts: 431 Thanks: 17 Thanked 213 Times in 135 Posts	It has been a while since I have been there, but Young’s Store in Pittsburgh, NH was an “Agency” liquor store, meaning that there were a few aisles dedicated to the sale of hard liquor. Seems the State did not want to invest in its own store.

07-14-2019, 06:45 AM	#13
Kamper Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Thornton's Ferry Posts: 1,307 Thanks: 67 Thanked 172 Times in 128 Posts	I was about 8 or 9, when they opened the store in Nashua near what is now exit 2. My parents and neighbors were talking about how it was a super-market for liquor.

07-14-2019, 02:31 PM	#15
Biggd Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Waltham Ma./Meredith NH Posts: 4,160 Thanks: 2,245 Thanked 1,197 Times in 763 Posts	Remember the supermarkets with the grocery trolley? They would bag your groceries and put them on the trolley to an employee outside who would put them in your car when you drove up with your ticket.

07-15-2019, 06:08 AM	#16
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,583 Thanks: 3,226 Thanked 1,106 Times in 796 Posts	Pennsylvania Experience I remember driving into a warehouse, give a guy a list of what you want, including beer and wine. As you drive through the warehouse he stock your car that's on the list. At the end of the building was the cashier! Talk about convenience! This was over near Lake Erie. __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

07-15-2019, 07:09 PM	#19
Paugus Bay Resident Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Gilmanton, NH Posts: 754 Thanks: 136 Thanked 93 Times in 51 Posts	Remember going to the Nashua state store in the 60s. with my dad. I was around 10 and went to pick up the bag. Big no-no I was told by the clerk. Funny what you remember. I can remember that but not what I had for breakfast

07-16-2019, 07:09 AM	#20
The Real BigGuy Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 1,310 Thanks: 125 Thanked 472 Times in 287 Posts	I went to a liquor store in MA with my 27 year old son (I’ll grant he looks young) who had forgotten his wallet (funny how that happens). When we went to check out he picks up a bottle and hands it to me. The clerk asked him for his ID, which he didn’t have. Since he didn’t have it the clerk wouldn’t sell me the booze. We walked out leave about $200 in beer & wine in the cart. Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

07-18-2019, 06:50 AM	#24
The Real BigGuy Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 1,310 Thanks: 125 Thanked 472 Times in 287 Posts	Doesn’t work that way in a one check out store. Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app