Bill > HB243

This bill, titled "Liquor licenses & definitions," proposes several changes to New Mexico's liquor laws, primarily by amending existing statutes and adding new provisions. It clarifies definitions within the Liquor Control Act, such as "alcoholic beverages," "beer," "cider," and various license types like "dispenser," "distiller," "manufacturer," and "wholesaler." The bill also introduces or modifies regulations for specific licenses, including craft distiller's licenses, winegrower's licenses, and small brewer's licenses, outlining their production, sales, and tasting privileges, and allowing for off-premises permits and public celebration permits. A significant addition is the allowance for "alternating proprietorships," where licensed craft distillers, winegrowers, or small brewers can use each other's manufacturing facilities and equipment, subject to federal approval. The bill also permits licensed retailers and dispensers to form cooperatives for advertising and purchasing alcoholic beverages. Furthermore, it revises rules regarding the approval process for license issuance and transfers by local governing bodies, requiring public hearings and outlining grounds for disapproval, and it prohibits certain unfair competition practices by importers and wholesalers, such as requiring exclusive purchasing or providing inducements to licensees. Finally, the bill repeals a previous law and sets an effective date of July 1, 2015.