Bill > SB94

This bill amends the Liquor Control Act to allow local option districts, which are geographical areas that vote on liquor sales, to hold elections on whether to permit restaurants to sell not only beer and wine but also New Mexico-produced distilled spirits, which are spirits made within the state. This change, effective July 1, 2016, means that if a district votes to allow the sale of distilled spirits in restaurants, this approval will apply to all restaurant licenses within that district. Restaurants seeking these licenses must still demonstrate that their primary revenue comes from food sales, maintain a food service permit, and adhere to restrictions on off-premises sales and operating hours, with sales of beer, wine, and New Mexico-produced distilled spirits ceasing when meal service ends or at 11:00 p.m., whichever is earlier.