Thanksgiving Alcohol Sales In New Mexico

Alcohol laws vary from state to state in the US, and these laws dictate when and where alcohol can be sold. In New Mexico, there are no restrictions on the sale of alcohol on holidays, including Thanksgiving. However, there are other alcohol-related laws in the state that residents and visitors should be aware of, such as the minimum age to serve alcohol and the prohibition of curbside pickup for alcohol purchases.

Alcohol sales in New Mexico are not restricted on holidays

However, it is worth noting that there are some unique aspects to New Mexico's alcohol laws. For example, New Mexico is one of the few states that do not allow curbside pickup for alcohol purchases. This is due to the former prevalence of drive-up liquor stores in the state. Additionally, there are Local Option Districts in McKinley County that can enact ordinances restricting package sales between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m.

It is also important to be mindful of the legal drinking age in New Mexico, which is 21. It is illegal for anyone under 21 to purchase or attempt to purchase alcohol, and there are penalties for selling alcohol to those under the legal drinking age. Furthermore, all individuals selling or serving alcohol in New Mexico are required to obtain an Alcohol Server Permit.

While alcohol sales are not restricted on holidays in New Mexico, it is always a good idea to call ahead and check with specific stores or restaurants, as their operating hours may vary. Additionally, some privately owned liquor stores may choose to close on certain days, even when alcohol sales are permitted.

Only those aged 21 and above can purchase alcohol

Alcohol sales are not restricted on Thanksgiving in New Mexico. However, only those aged 21 and above can purchase alcohol in the state. This is a common law across many U.S. states, and it applies to both residents and visitors in New Mexico.

The state of New Mexico takes its liquor laws very seriously, and there are severe penalties for selling alcohol to minors. A first offense results in a fine of $1,000 to $2,000, and the state prohibits all alcohol sales for one business day. A second offense carries a fine of $2,000 to $3,000, and the state prevents all alcohol sales for seven business days. For a third offense, the fine is $10,000, and the alcohol license is revoked. Selling or serving alcoholic beverages to a minor for a second time is a fourth-degree felony.

In addition to the age restriction for purchasing alcohol, New Mexico has other regulations in place. For example, persons aged 18 to 20 may work in a restaurant environment, but they cannot be bartenders or cocktail servers, nor can they manage the sale or service of alcoholic beverages. Furthermore, all individuals selling or serving alcohol in the state are required to obtain an Alcohol Server Permit. This includes liquor license owners, leaseholders, managers, designated resident agents, bartenders, bouncers, waiters, waitresses, and convenience or grocery store clerks.

While New Mexico has relaxed some restrictions on alcohol sales, such as allowing Sunday sales at resorts and horse racetracks and removing Christmas, Election Day, and Sunday restrictions for restaurants, the state maintains strict laws regarding the sale of alcohol to minors and requires proper permitting for those selling or serving alcohol.

Alcohol sales are prohibited for one business day after the first offence

In the state of New Mexico, there are no restrictions on the sale of alcohol on holidays, including Thanksgiving. Regular operating hours apply on these days. However, it is important to note that each state in the US has its own alcohol beverage authority, which sets guidelines on when and where alcohol can be sold. Therefore, it is recommended to call and check before making a purchase, as some privately owned liquor stores may be closed, even in states where alcohol sales are permitted on holidays.

In New Mexico, there are specific laws and penalties regarding the sale of alcohol. For example, it is a violation of New Mexico alcohol laws to sell alcohol to anyone under the age of 21, and this includes young adults aged 18, 19, and 20. There are no exceptions for those serving in the military. A first-time offence will result in a fine of $1,000 to $2,000, and the state prohibits alcohol sales for one business day after the offence. This means that for the following 24 hours, no alcohol can be sold by the establishment. This is a significant consequence, as it can impact the business's revenue and cause inconvenience to customers.

A second offence results in a higher fine of $2,000 to $3,000, and the state prohibits alcohol sales for seven business days. This extended prohibition can have an even greater impact on the business's operations and finances. If a third offence occurs, the penalties become more severe, with a fine of up to $10,000 and the revocation of the alcohol license. This means that the establishment will no longer be legally permitted to sell alcohol, which can have long-term consequences for the business.

It is important to note that violations of the Liquor Control Act are considered criminal offenses and are addressed in state court. Additionally, they are treated as administrative violations of the Act, which can result in separate penalties. For instance, a sale to a minor is a crime committed by the individual making the sale, but it is also an administrative violation by the server, their permit, and the liquor license held by the establishment. Therefore, it is crucial for businesses and individuals involved in the sale of alcohol to be aware of and comply with the relevant laws and regulations to avoid legal consequences and maintain their operations.

Alcohol cannot be picked up via curbside pickup

Alcohol laws vary from state to state in the US, and New Mexico has some unique regulations. One notable restriction is that alcohol cannot be purchased via curbside pickup. This is a source of frustration for some residents, who argue that this law increases unnecessary contact and exposure, particularly during the pandemic. New Mexico is the only state that prohibits curbside pickup of alcohol, including wine, beer, and spirits. This restriction may be a result of the former prevalence of drive-up liquor stores in the state, which led to concerns about drunk driving and alcohol abuse. While some retailers may offer delivery services for alcohol, there are also limits and restrictions on these services.

The state of New Mexico has strict laws regarding the sale and service of alcohol. All individuals selling or serving alcohol are required to obtain an Alcohol Server Permit. The minimum age to serve alcohol in a restaurant in New Mexico is 19, while individuals must be 21 or older to sell alcohol for off-site consumption or to tend a bar. It is a criminal offence to sell alcohol to anyone under the age of 21, with penalties including fines and the suspension or revocation of liquor licenses. New Mexico also has laws in place to prevent the sale of alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals.

While there are no longer any restrictions on alcohol sales on Christmas, Election Day, or Sundays, there are still some limitations in place. For example, Local Option Districts in McKinley County can restrict alcohol sales between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. Additionally, there are different rules for different types of licenses, with licenses A and B requiring alcohol service to stop at 11 p.m. or when the kitchen stops serving, whichever is earlier.

Thanksgiving alcohol sales in New Mexico may be permitted, but it is always a good idea to call ahead and check with individual stores, as privately owned liquor stores may choose to close for the holiday. Additionally, some states may only allow the sale of beer and wine, not liquor, so it is important to be aware of the specific regulations in New Mexico before heading out to purchase alcohol on Thanksgiving Day.

Overall, while New Mexico has relaxed some of its alcohol sales restrictions, it still maintains a unique position as the only state prohibiting curbside pickup of alcohol. This restriction may be a legacy of the state's history with drive-up liquor stores and their impact on public safety. Residents of New Mexico need to be mindful of the state's alcohol laws and plan ahead when stocking up for holidays like Thanksgiving.

Alcohol sales are allowed from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. in restaurants

Alcohol sales are permitted in New Mexico on Thanksgiving, with no holiday restrictions in terms of hours of operation. Alcohol sales are allowed from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. in restaurants, seven days a week. This applies to the entire state, except for Local Option Districts in McKinley County, which can restrict sales between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m.

It is important to note that only individuals aged 21 and above are allowed to purchase alcohol in New Mexico. Additionally, those aged 19 and above can serve alcohol in venues for drinking on-site, but they must be at least 21 to tend the bar.

The state of New Mexico requires anyone selling or serving alcohol to obtain an Alcohol Server Permit. This includes liquor license owners, bartenders, waiters, and store clerks, among others. It is a criminal offense to violate the Liquor Control Act, with penalties including fines and license suspension or revocation.

Thanksgiving is a busy time for many, with menu planning, grocery shopping, and family gatherings. It is always a good idea to plan ahead and check the operating hours of liquor stores, as some privately owned stores may be closed, even in states like New Mexico, where alcohol sales are permitted on Thanksgiving.

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