Bill > SB466

This bill makes several significant changes to New Mexico's liquor licensing laws, including creating a new tiered restaurant license system with restaurant A, B, and C licenses. For restaurant A licenses, the bill allows the sale of beer, wine, and spirituous liquors from craft distillers, reduces the renewal fee from $1,050 to $1,550, and removes the previous requirement that a restaurant must be in good standing for twelve consecutive months to obtain a spirituous liquors permit. The bill creates a new restaurant C license for beer and wine only, and establishes a different fee structure for restaurant B licenses, charging $10,000 for the first year and $6,000 for subsequent years. Additionally, the bill introduces the concept of local entertainment zones, which would allow county or municipal governments to create designated areas with more flexible alcohol regulations, such as modified open container rules and operating hours. The bill also removes restrictions on the number of drinks a restaurant can serve per customer and eliminates proximity restrictions related to churches. Most provisions of the bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, providing ample time for businesses and local governments to prepare for the changes.

Budget and Finance

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=S&legtype=B&legno=466&year=25