Are you curious about Sunday liquor sales in New Mexico, especially as a member of the LGBTQ+ community planning a visit or already residing here? At gaymexico.net, we understand the importance of having clear, up-to-date information so you can enjoy your time exploring the vibrant culture of Mexico. We’re here to clear up any confusion about the Land of Enchantment’s liquor laws and ensure you’re well-prepared to experience the nightlife and social scene.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of liquor sales regulations in New Mexico, including those impacting the LGBTQ+ community, by addressing your questions and offering useful advice. Keep reading to learn more about entertainment options, nightlife, and local customs.
1. Understanding Sunday Liquor Sales in New Mexico
Yes, you can buy liquor on Sundays in New Mexico, as restrictions on Sunday sales were lifted. This change, effective July 1, 2021, allows for the sale of alcohol during the same hours as Monday through Saturday, offering greater convenience for residents and visitors alike.
1.1. The Shift in Legislation
Prior to July 1, 2021, New Mexico had specific regulations regarding the sale of alcohol on Sundays. These restrictions were seen by many as outdated and inconvenient, prompting a legislative change to align Sunday sales with those of other days of the week. The amendment aimed to boost local businesses and tourism by providing more flexibility for consumers.
1.2. Current Hours of Operation
Thanks to the updated regulations, liquor stores can now operate with the same hours on Sunday as they do during the rest of the week. For off-premise sales, you can purchase alcohol from 7 a.m. to midnight. For on-premise consumption at bars and full-service restaurants, the hours are from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m.
1.3. What This Means for You
The removal of Sunday restrictions means more flexibility in planning your social outings and gatherings. Whether you’re a tourist exploring New Mexico’s nightlife or a resident hosting a weekend get-together, you can now purchase alcohol any day of the week without worrying about specific time constraints. This is especially beneficial for the LGBTQ+ community, who often seek out welcoming and inclusive spaces for socializing.
2. Where to Buy Liquor on Sundays
With the updated liquor laws, you can find alcohol at various establishments on Sundays, making it easier to enjoy your favorite beverages.
2.1. Liquor Stores
Liquor stores across New Mexico are now open on Sundays, with operating hours mirroring those of weekdays. This provides a convenient option for purchasing a wide selection of beers, wines, and spirits.
2.2. Grocery Stores
Many grocery stores in New Mexico also sell beer and wine. On Sundays, these stores follow the same alcohol sales hours as liquor stores, allowing you to pick up your favorite drinks while doing your regular grocery shopping.
2.3. Bars and Restaurants
Bars and restaurants throughout New Mexico are permitted to serve alcohol on Sundays, following the same hours as the rest of the week. This means you can enjoy a Sunday brunch with mimosas or an evening cocktail at your favorite bar.
2.4. Breweries and Distilleries
New Mexico is home to numerous breweries and distilleries, many of which offer on-site sales and tastings. These establishments are also allowed to operate on Sundays, giving you the chance to sample local craft beers and spirits.
3. Identification Requirements
Regardless of the day of the week, it’s essential to carry valid identification when purchasing alcohol in New Mexico. Establishments are required to verify your age to ensure you are of legal drinking age.
3.1. Acceptable Forms of ID
Acceptable forms of identification include:
- Driver’s license
- State-issued ID card
- Passport
- Military ID
3.2. Checking IDs
Establishments are required to ask for identification from anyone who appears to be under the age of 35. Even if you are clearly over 21, it’s a good idea to have your ID ready to avoid any inconvenience.
3.3. Expired IDs
According to recent changes in the liquor laws, an identity document is valid for the purposes of the Liquor Control Act even if it is expired. However, it is still recommended to use a current, unexpired ID whenever possible to avoid potential issues.
4. Employment Regulations
The updated liquor laws also include changes to employment regulations, particularly regarding who can serve alcohol in certain establishments.
4.1. Serving Age
Holders of dispenser, restaurant, or club licenses may employ servers 18 years or older to sell or serve alcoholic beverages in a restaurant setting, provided that food sales are the primary source of revenue.
4.2. Bartenders
Bartenders must still be 21 years of age or older. The law specifies that individuals under 21 cannot be employed as bartenders, ensuring that those mixing and serving drinks have reached the legal drinking age.
4.3. Restrictions
These employment regulations apply specifically to establishments where the primary source of revenue is food. This means that bars and nightclubs that primarily sell alcohol must still adhere to the 21-and-older age requirement for all servers.
5. Changes to Alcohol Delivery
The ability to have alcohol delivered has also seen some changes, making it more convenient to enjoy your favorite drinks at home.
5.1. Delivery Permits
Holders of retailer’s, dispenser’s, craft distiller’s, winegrower’s, small brewer’s, restaurant A, or restaurant B licenses can apply for an alcoholic beverage delivery permit. This permit allows them to deliver alcoholic beverages to customers.
5.2. Delivery Restrictions
There are several restrictions to keep in mind:
- Alcoholic beverages can only be delivered in unbroken packages or sealed growlers.
- Deliveries must occur within the geographical boundaries of the county and the local option district the licensee is located, unless written approval to deliver into an adjoining county has been given by the division.
- Deliveries can only take place during the hours allowed by the Act, based on the license type.
- Payment for alcoholic beverages must be received at the licensed premises of the licensee personally, telephonically, electronically, via website or application, or other internet platform.
- The price charged for an alcoholic beverage cannot change because it was purchased for delivery, though a separate delivery fee can be charged if disclosed at the time of purchase.
- Alcoholic beverages cannot be delivered to a business, a commercial establishment, a college or university, or a school campus.
5.3. Restaurant Delivery
For restaurants, there are additional restrictions:
- Alcoholic beverages can only be delivered to customers concurrently with the delivery of a minimum of ten dollars ($10.00) worth of food.
- Delivery of alcoholic beverages to one location during a three-hour period cannot exceed:
- 750 milliliters of wine.
- Six 12-ounce containers of prepackaged wine, beer, or cider.
- Three 12-ounce containers of manufacturer canned or bottled ready to drink cocktails containing spiritous liquors with an alcoholic content of thirteen percent.
- One growler or crowler of product manufactured by a small brewer.
- One howler of a cocktail, mixed by the licensee, containing no more than four and one-half ounces of spiritous liquors.
5.4. Third-Party Delivery
Licensees can contract with the holder of a third-party delivery license for the delivery of alcoholic beverages, but this cannot be used to circumvent the rules.
6. Licensed Premises Expansion
Another notable change is the allowance for licensed premises expansion, which can enhance the customer experience at bars and restaurants.
6.1. Controlled Access Areas
Creating a “controlled access” area outside of the licensed premises is now allowed (excluding parking lots or fueling stations) on the property of the business, as long as the controlled access area is enclosed by a sufficient barrier and connected and contiguous to an indoor controlled access area.
6.2. Definition of Licensed Premise
A “licensed premise” means contiguous areas of the business property that are under the direct control of the licensee.
6.3. Approval Requirements
A diagram/floor plan must be approved by the Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Division before implementing any changes.
6.4. Outdoor Areas
Outdoor controlled access areas must be enclosed by a continuous physical barrier of sufficient height to physically separate the controlled access area from the surrounding area. The division may allow exceptions to this requirement upon written request by a licensee.
7. Additional Regulations and FAQs
To provide further clarity, here are some frequently asked questions about New Mexico’s alcohol laws and regulations.
7.1. Can an 18-year-old serve alcohol if the establishment has a wine grower’s license?
No, only establishments with dispenser, restaurant, and club licenses that are primarily food-focused can employ minors as servers.
7.2. For the Restaurant A license, do you have to wait a year before you can add the spirits permit?
If you already have a beer & wine license prior to 7/1/2021, you don’t have to wait. ABC has streamlined the conversion process to make it easier and quicker. Additionally, an entity may apply for a restaurant B license at any time.
7.3. Can you start with a Restaurant A+ license then upgrade to a Restaurant B license if you determine it is worth the cost?
Yes.
7.4. Can a Restaurant B license have a bar?
No. A restaurant may not have any counters dedicated primarily to the display, service, or consumption of alcoholic beverages, with incidental food service. All areas of the licensed premises must have food service as the primary commercial purpose.
7.5. Can you have a dedicated bartender with the Restaurant A or B license?
No. Restaurant licenses are not allowed to have designated bartenders because they cannot have bars.
7.6. Can an 18-year-old be a bartender or a delivery driver?
No. Both a delivery driver and a bartender must be 21 or older.
7.7. Can you deliver beer, wine, or spirits to a hotel room outside of the restaurant but in the same building?
If the hotel is not part of the licensee’s designated floorplan, then the answer is no. If the licensee has the hotel as part of the approved floorplan, then it is not considered delivery as the entire transaction takes place within the controlled access areas of the licensed premises.
7.8. Can customers picking up to-go food orders also pick up wine, beer, or mixed drinks?
No. Delivery permits do not allow for “to-go” orders of alcohol if the license does not allow for package sales.
7.9. We have a retail liquor store and have applied for a delivery license. Are there limits to how much we can deliver to a residence?
Yes, depending on your license type. Delivery restrictions may occur due to either the type of license held or the size and location of the business.
7.10. To expand our premises, do we just submit a new floor plan?
Yes. If you are updating or expanding your “licensed premise,” it must have “controlled access.” Floor plans must accurately reflect the controlled access areas of a licensee’s licensed premise and be kept current.
7.11. Can we deliver mixed drinks?
Yes, with certain restrictions for restaurant licenses, including limits on the quantity and packaging.
7.12. Are current alcohol server certificates still valid under the new laws/rules?
Yes, current server permits are valid until the indicated expiration date.
7.13. To what type of establishment does the three-drink rule apply?
Restaurant licenses (who serve spirituous liquors) cannot serve a patron more than three drinks, each containing 1.5oz of spirituous liquors, in a single visit.
7.14. What kind of record keeping do we have to maintain for deliveries?
A licensee holding an alcoholic beverage delivery permit must save documentation containing information such as the customer’s name and age, delivery address, quantity and type of alcoholic beverages delivered, and the time of delivery.
7.15. How do we purchase NM spirits from a craft distiller?
The craft distiller can apply for a wholesaler’s license and sell directly to you, or you can go through a traditional distributor for NM Spirits.
8. LGBTQ+ Friendly Destinations in New Mexico
New Mexico is known for its welcoming atmosphere and diverse culture, making it a great destination for LGBTQ+ travelers and residents. Here are some of the top spots to check out:
8.1. Santa Fe
Santa Fe is renowned for its vibrant arts scene, historic architecture, and inclusive community. The city offers numerous galleries, museums, and cultural events, along with LGBTQ+ friendly accommodations and nightlife options.
8.2. Albuquerque
As the largest city in New Mexico, Albuquerque boasts a lively urban atmosphere with a mix of modern and historic attractions. The city is home to a thriving LGBTQ+ community, with several bars, clubs, and organizations catering to this demographic.
8.3. Taos
Nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Taos offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. The town is known for its artistic spirit and welcoming vibe, making it a popular destination for LGBTQ+ individuals seeking a tranquil and accepting environment.
9. Tips for Enjoying New Mexico’s Nightlife Safely
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience while exploring New Mexico’s nightlife, keep the following tips in mind:
9.1. Plan Your Transportation
Always plan your transportation in advance, especially if you intend to consume alcohol. Use ride-sharing services, taxis, or designated drivers to avoid driving under the influence.
9.2. Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water throughout the night to stay hydrated, particularly in New Mexico’s dry climate.
9.3. Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Pay attention to your surroundings and trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe in a particular situation, remove yourself from the situation immediately.
9.4. Buddy Up
Stick with friends or a group when going out, and make sure everyone looks out for each other.
9.5. Know Your Limits
Be aware of your alcohol tolerance and drink responsibly. Pace yourself and avoid excessive consumption.
10. Resources for the LGBTQ+ Community in New Mexico
For those seeking support, community, or additional information, here are some valuable resources for the LGBTQ+ community in New Mexico:
10.1. Equality New Mexico
Equality New Mexico is a statewide advocacy organization working to advance equality and justice for LGBTQ+ individuals and families.
10.2. The Santa Fe Human Rights Alliance
The Santa Fe Human Rights Alliance is a local organization dedicated to promoting human rights and equality for all, including the LGBTQ+ community.
10.3. Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico
The Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico provides support, advocacy, and resources for transgender and gender non-conforming individuals.
Conclusion
Understanding the liquor laws in New Mexico, including the ability to buy liquor on Sundays, can enhance your experience in this vibrant state. The changes in legislation have made it more convenient for both residents and visitors to enjoy alcoholic beverages responsibly. For the LGBTQ+ community, knowing these regulations helps in planning social gatherings and exploring the diverse nightlife options available.
At gaymexico.net, we are committed to providing accurate and up-to-date information to help you make the most of your time in Mexico and New Mexico. From understanding local laws to finding LGBTQ+ friendly destinations and resources, we strive to be your go-to guide for all things related to LGBTQ+ travel and culture.
Ready to explore the best of LGBTQ+ life in Mexico? Visit gaymexico.net today to discover comprehensive travel guides, event listings, and community connections!
Address: 3255 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90010, United States
Phone: +1 (213) 380-2177
Website: gaymexico.net
Keywords: Sunday alcohol sales, LGBTQ+ New Mexico, New Mexico liquor laws, LGBTQ+ travel resources
