Buying Beer In New Mexico: Grocery Store Rules Explained

New Mexico's alcohol laws can be confusing, especially for visitors who may be unfamiliar with them. The state has different rules for the sale of alcohol depending on the day of the week, the type of establishment, and the location. So, can you buy beer in grocery stores in New Mexico?

Beer, wine, and liquor can be purchased in New Mexico every day

New Mexico has fairly straightforward alcohol laws. The state is not dry, and its government does not restrict or prohibit the sale of alcohol. However, localities have the power to designate a county or city as dry.

In New Mexico, you can buy beer, wine, and liquor any day of the week, including Sundays. The sale hours vary depending on the type of retailer and whether the alcohol is for on-premise or off-premise consumption.

Off-Premise Retailers

Off-premise retailers, such as liquor stores, package stores, and grocery stores, can sell alcohol between 7 a.m. and 12 a.m. every day. This includes grocery stores like Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, and Costco.

On-Premise Retailers

On-premise retailers, including bars, restaurants, and taprooms, can sell alcohol from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily. Restaurants, specifically, can sell alcohol from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m. or until they stop serving food, whichever is earlier.

Other Establishments

Gas stations in New Mexico can sell beer, wine, and liquor between 7 a.m. and midnight, and breweries must ensure that half of their alcohol sales are house beer.

Sunday Sales

While there are no longer any restrictions on Sunday sales in New Mexico, some businesses may choose to close or have limited hours on Sundays. Additionally, local authorities may impose further restrictions on alcohol sales on Sundays, and there are no off-premise alcohol sales allowed on Christmas Day.

Minors and Alcohol

It is illegal for anyone under 21 to purchase or attempt to buy alcohol in New Mexico, and it is a crime to use, lend, transfer, or sell a false ID. However, minors may consume alcohol given by a parent, guardian, or spouse over 21, as long as it is not on premises licensed to sell alcohol and the drinking is under the control of the server.

Driving and Alcohol

New Mexico prohibits driving while intoxicated (DWI), and the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits are 0.08% for adults 21 and older, 0.02% for those under 21, and 0.04% for commercial drivers. The penalties for driving under the influence include license suspension, jail time, fines, community service, and mandated alcohol screening and treatment.

Off-premise retailers can sell alcohol from 7 a.m. to 12 a.m

New Mexico has a range of alcohol laws that govern the sale and consumption of alcohol in the state. The state is not dry, and alcohol can be purchased any day of the week.

Off-premise retailers, such as grocery stores, can sell alcohol from 7 a.m. to midnight (12 a.m.). This includes beer, wine, and liquor, and these sales are restricted to off-site consumption only. Alcohol must be sold in its original packaging, and the purchaser must be over the age of 21.

These off-premise sales hours are consistent throughout the week, except for Sundays, when sales can only begin at noon and continue until midnight.

It is important to note that while these are the state-mandated hours for alcohol sales, local areas may have additional restrictions. For example, McKinley County can be more restrictive towards off-premise retailers, and Local Option Districts in McKinley County can restrict sales between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m.

Additionally, while New Mexico does not have any dry counties, localities within the state have the power to designate specific counties, cities, or areas as dry, which would further impact the sale of alcohol.

The state also has laws regarding the service of alcohol, with those aged 19 and older able to serve alcohol in venues for on-site drinking, and those aged 21 and older required to tend bars or sell alcohol for off-site consumption.

On-premise retailers can sell alcohol from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m

New Mexico has a range of alcohol laws that govern the sale and consumption of alcohol in the state. On-premise retailers are permitted to sell alcohol from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily, including Sundays. This applies to all days of the week, with no restrictions on Christmas, Election Day, or other holidays.

On-premise retailers include bars and restaurants, which are categorised differently in New Mexico. On-premise retailers that are licensed to sell alcohol for drinking on-site are permitted to do so from 7 a.m. until 2 a.m. the following day. This applies to Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and weekends.

For example, on a Tuesday, an on-premise retailer can sell alcohol from 7 a.m. on Tuesday morning until 2 a.m. on Wednesday morning. The same applies for all other days of the week.

On-premise retailers with a Restaurant Liquor License (beer and wine) are permitted to sell alcohol from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m., or until the meal service ceases, whichever is earlier. This applies from Monday to Saturday.

It is important to note that these laws do not apply to land under the control of Indian nations, tribes, or pueblos, which determine their own alcohol laws. Additionally, local option laws permit local areas to modify the days and times of alcohol sales.

Restaurants can sell alcohol from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. or until they stop serving food

New Mexico's alcohol laws can be confusing, especially as they vary by location and type of establishment. The state is not dry, and alcohol can be purchased any day of the week.

Alcohol Sales in Restaurants

Restaurants with a liquor license can sell alcohol from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. or until they stop serving food, whichever is earliest. This applies seven days a week.

Alcohol Sales in Grocery Stores

Grocery stores in New Mexico can sell beer, wine, and liquor from 7 a.m. to midnight, Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, alcohol sales are restricted and can only take place from noon to midnight.

Alcohol Sales in Other Establishments

Other establishments with a beer and wine license can sell alcohol from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily. Establishments with a full liquor license can sell from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily.

Additional Information

Local areas can modify the days and times of sales, and Indian nations, tribes, or pueblos determine their own alcohol laws. On Christmas Day, restaurants can sell alcohol from noon to 10 p.m., but off-premises sales are not permitted.

Alcohol sales are permitted on Sundays from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m

Alcohol sales in New Mexico are permitted on Sundays from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. in grocery stores, package stores, and liquor stores. This is in contrast to Monday through Saturday, when these establishments can sell alcohol from 7 a.m. to 12 a.m.

On-premise retailers, such as bars and restaurants, have different hours. They can sell alcohol from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily, including Sundays.

It's important to note that while these are the state-wide regulations, local areas in New Mexico can modify the days and times of alcohol sales. For example, McKinley County can be more restrictive towards off-premise retailers, and Local Option Districts in McKinley County can restrict sales between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Sundays.

Additionally, the state of New Mexico permits Sunday alcohol sales at resorts and horse racetracks.

The laws regarding alcohol sales in New Mexico are in place to control alcohol consumption and distribution. While the state is not considered a "dry state," individual counties within New Mexico can vote on their dry or wet status. As of 2019, none of the 33 counties in New Mexico are dry.

To purchase alcohol in New Mexico, individuals must be at least 21 years of age, and it is illegal for anyone to sell, give, or procure alcohol for a minor. The state also has laws prohibiting driving while intoxicated (DWI) and boating while intoxicated (BWI), with specific blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits for different age groups and commercial drivers.

Frequently asked questions