Buying Beer On Easter: New Mexico's Alcohol Laws Explained

New Mexico's alcohol laws can be confusing, especially for visitors who may be unfamiliar with them. So, can you buy beer on Easter Sunday in the state? The answer is yes. In New Mexico, you can buy beer, wine, and liquor any day of the week, including Easter Sunday. Off-premise retailers (e.g. liquor stores) can sell alcohol from 7 a.m. to 12 a.m., while on-premise retailers can sell from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. Restaurants are allowed to sell alcohol from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., or until they stop serving food, whichever comes first.

Beer, wine, and liquor can be bought any day of the week in New Mexico

New Mexico has its own set of laws regarding the sale of beer, wine, and liquor, which can be different from other states. These laws can be confusing, especially for those visiting or passing through the state.

In New Mexico, beer, wine, and liquor can be purchased any day of the week, including Easter. This is because the state does not have any specific laws prohibiting the sale of alcohol on Easter, and it has recently repealed its Blue Laws, which restricted Sunday sales. So, whether it's a weekend, a public holiday, or a regular weekday, you can buy alcohol in New Mexico.

The state's alcohol regulations allow off-premise retailers, such as liquor stores, to sell alcohol between 7 a.m. and 12 a.m. On-premise retailers, like bars, can sell alcohol from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m., and restaurants can sell from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. or until they stop serving food, whichever is earlier. These timings are the same throughout the state, except for McKinley County, which has more restrictive laws for off-premise retailers.

While New Mexico does not restrict the days of the week when alcohol can be sold, it does have laws regarding who can purchase and consume alcohol. Only those aged 21 and above are allowed to buy, possess, or consume alcoholic beverages in the state. It is illegal for anyone to sell, give, or procure alcohol for a minor. Additionally, New Mexico has strict laws against driving under the influence, with penalties including license suspension, fines, community service, and alcohol education courses.

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

New Mexico's alcohol laws can be a little confusing, especially for visitors who may be unfamiliar with them. The state allows the sale of beer, wine, and liquor every day of the week, including Easter. However, the hours during which alcohol can be sold vary depending on the type of retailer and their license.

On-premise retailers, such as bars and restaurants, are permitted to sell alcohol from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily. This includes Easter Sunday. On-premise retailers with an A or B license, however, have a slightly different restriction. They must stop serving alcohol at 11 p.m. or when their kitchen closes, whichever is earlier. This rule applies every day of the week, including Easter.

It's important to note that these hours may vary in Local Option Districts, such as in McKinley County, which can enact ordinances restricting sales between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. Additionally, the state permits Sunday alcohol sales at resorts and horse racetracks.

New Mexico has a minimum drinking age of 21, and it is illegal for anyone under this age to purchase or attempt to purchase alcohol. However, those under 21 may consume alcohol given by a parent, guardian, or spouse who is 21 or older, but only on property other than licensed premises, and the drinking must be under the control of the server.

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

In New Mexico, off-premise retailers can sell alcohol from 7 a.m. to 12 a.m. every day of the week, including Easter. This includes liquor stores, grocery stores, and breweries and taprooms.

Off-premise retailers are businesses that sell alcohol for off-site consumption, meaning that the alcohol purchased from them is intended to be consumed elsewhere. These retailers are allowed to operate within specific hours, which in New Mexico, are from 7 a.m. to 12 a.m. daily. This is in contrast to on-premise retailers, such as bars and restaurants, which have different hours and sell alcohol for on-site consumption.

The ability to purchase alcohol at off-premise retailers during these hours is especially convenient for those who are looking to stock up on alcoholic beverages outside of the typical 9-to-5 work day. It also provides flexibility for those who may have varying schedules and are unable to make it to the store during more conventional hours.

It's important to note that while off-premise retailers in New Mexico can sell alcohol daily from 7 a.m. to 12 a.m., there may be slight variations in specific locations. For example, McKinley County in New Mexico can be more restrictive towards off-premise retailers, allowing localities to implement their own regulations. Therefore, it's always a good idea to check the laws and regulations of the specific county or area you're in to avoid any confusion or legal issues.

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 quite complex, with different rules for different license types and locations. However, the focus here is on the ability of restaurants to sell alcohol.

Firstly, it is important to note that there are no longer any restrictions on alcohol sales on Sundays or holidays in New Mexico. This means that restaurants can serve alcohol from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., or until they stop serving food, whichever comes first, every day of the week, including Easter Sunday. This is a recent change, as previously, alcohol sales were restricted on certain days.

The hours of 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. apply specifically to restaurants with an A or B license. These licenses are for establishments that primarily serve food, and alcohol is not their main activity. For restaurants with other license types, the hours of service are from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. every day.

It is worth noting that these hours are for on-site consumption. For off-site consumption, alcohol can be sold from 7 a.m. to midnight on Mondays through Saturdays. On Sundays, off-site sales can only occur after midnight until 2 a.m.

Additionally, local option laws permit local areas to modify the days and times of sales. For example, McKinley County has more restrictive hours for off-premise retailers, and it can enact ordinances restricting sales between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m.

In summary, restaurants in New Mexico with an A or B license can sell alcohol from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., or until they stop serving food, whichever comes first, every day of the week, including Easter Sunday. Restaurants with other license types have more extended hours, from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily.

There are no dry counties in New Mexico

New Mexico is not a dry state. The state government does not restrict or prohibit the sale of alcohol. However, many states in the US allow localities to prohibit or restrict the sale of alcohol, and New Mexico is one of them.

In 2019, the last two dry counties in New Mexico, Roosevelt and Curry, voted to allow the sale of alcohol. This means that, currently, none of New Mexico's 33 counties are dry.

In New Mexico, you can buy beer, wine, and liquor any day of the week. Off-premise retailers (such as liquor stores) can sell alcohol between 7 a.m. and 12 a.m. On-premise retailers may do so from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. Restaurants can sell alcohol from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m. or until they stop serving food, whichever is earliest.

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