Smith: State Needs Less Business Regulations

Kevin Smith was intrigued when he learned that Redhook Ale Brewery at Pease International Tradeport was feeling constricted by New Hampshire regulations that prevent it from brewing certain types of beer.

For that reason, the Republican Gubernatorial candidate said he reached out to Redhook officials so he could tour the facility on Thursday and learn more about the issues they have experienced.

"I hear from small businesses more frequently the state over regulates," said Smith, 34, of Litchfield. If elected Governor in November, Smith said he would work to change that in Concord.

Redhook Ale Brewery officials recently told state lawmakers New Hampshire regulations that govern beer production prevent them from using certain ingredients needed to brew certain beers. As a result, those beers have been to created elsewhere before they can be sold in New Hampshire, which costs the company money it use to re-invest in their business.

Smith, who worked under former Gov. Craig Benson and former U.S. Bob Smith as well as serving one term as a state Representative from Londonderry, said helping small business grow is one of his most important priorities.

"My philosophy on government is that government will not create jobs, but government can foster the environment that can create jobs," he said. "We need to take a hard look at how we regulate small business."

Redhook's Director of Operations Joe Thorner gave Smith a tour of the brewery located on the second floor of the Pease facility and restaurant.

After learning how they can't brew certain types of beer in New Hampshire that would enable to Redhook to grow its Portsmouth operation, Smith said this is exactly the type of situation that needs to be remedied at the state level.

"It's why I reached out to them," Smith said. "These are the kinds of folks I want to help as Governor."

Simple rules changes that would allow New Hampshire entrepreneurs to start a new business by using a laptop or an iPad need to happen to create more jobs, Smith said. He said the State of Delaware allows people to do this and New Hampshire should also.

Smith said he has already been stumping for support across the state by attending house parties, touring businesses and attending state Republican Committee events.

When asked what he learned from Benson during his time in the State House corner office, Smith replied, "Craig was an idea guy. You can apply business principles and business acumen, but you can't run government like a business."

But Smith said what state government can do is to create a regulatory environment that makes it easier to start new small businesses and to help existing small businesses flourish and prosper.