Liquor Laws to Remember in New Mexico

The laws related to sale and serving of alcoholic beverages in New Mexico are relevant to both residents and visitors in the state. Businesses that are already in liquor related trade or plan to invest in same must have a basic knowledge of these.

Here is an overview of the important things to understand and consider:

Minimum Age to Serve Alcohol

Young college students and graduates often look for part time jobs and it’s easy to get one in a restaurant. Some of them enthusiastically opt to serve alcoholic beverages too. However, the law of the land permits only people who are 19 year or older to serve alcohol for on-site drinking. And to be a fulltime bartender they must be at least 21 years old.

Rules on Selling Alcohol

Have you been looking for a New Mexico liquor license for sale? Even if you have procured such as permit for your restaurant, remember that your business is allowed to sell alcoholic beverages for on-premise consumption from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm or till the meal service closes, whichever is earlier.

There are some special licenses that permit serving of packed drinks between 7:00 am and midnight and for on-premise consumption between 7:00 am to 2:00 am.

Selling Liquor on Sunday

With a restaurant liquor license, the Sunday sales are permitted between 11:00 am and 11:00 pm or till the closure of meal services whichever is earlier. If you are still seeking a liquor license for sale New Mexico also keep in mind that with licenses other than restaurant licenses, the legal hours of alcohol sales are from 12 pm to 12 am. This pertains to packaged alcohol sales and drinking at premises in local option districts that have chosen to authorize Sunday Sales.

The licensed entities that wish to sell, serve or permit the consumption of alcoholic drinks at their premises should also have applied for and received a valid permit from Alcohol and Gaming Division in New Mexico.

Buying Alcohol in state of New Mexico

It is illegal for anyone less than 21 years of age to purchase or even attempt to purchase alcohol. However people under 21 years of age can ‘pretend to buy’ these beverages to assist law enforcement agencies entrap erring sellers. This can be done only when the process is initiated by law enforcers and someone is categorically asked to help them on the case.

If a person below 21 years of age wishes to drink alcohol, only a parent, guardian, or spouse who is 21 years or older can buy it for her / him. This however cannot be served on premises and has to be taken away for consumption.

Any other person who in return for a fee, tries to buy alcohol for people younger than 21 years can be arrested or charged for felony.

You may have a non-dispenser or dispenser license New Mexico, it is advisable to be wary of the laws and operate your liquor sale business as a law abiding citizen.

Author Bio: Liquor License New Mexico is a team of experienced professionals who offer full support to their clients in procuring liquor licenses in New Mexico. We simplify the seemingly complex process of applying for these licenses and remove all big and small hurdles that trouble the applicants. To know more about our services https://www.liquorlicensenewmexico.com

Michael harley is a writer at Search Engine.