Bill > SB71

This bill amends existing New Mexico law to allow local elections to decide whether restaurants can sell distilled spirits, which are alcoholic beverages like whiskey or vodka, that are produced within the state, in addition to beer and wine. Currently, restaurants can only sell beer and wine, and this change, effective July 1, 2015, would expand that possibility to include New Mexico-produced distilled spirits if a local election approves it. The bill clarifies that if a local area votes to allow the sale of New Mexico-produced distilled spirits in restaurants, this approval will apply to all restaurant licenses within that area, and it also makes minor technical changes to the wording of the law regarding applicant qualifications and reporting requirements.