When To Buy Beer In New Mexico

New Mexico's alcohol laws can be tricky, especially when it comes to buying beer. The state allows alcohol sales any day of the week, with some variations in timing depending on the type of establishment and license. For off-premise retailers like liquor stores, beer sales are typically permitted from 7 a.m. to midnight, while on-premise retailers can sell from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. Restaurants have slightly different hours, with alcohol sales allowed from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., or until they stop serving food, whichever comes first. These timings are consistent across the state, except for McKinley County, which has more restrictive laws for off-premise retailers.

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

On-premise retailers in New Mexico can sell beer from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. every day of the week, including Sundays. This applies to all counties in the state, except for McKinley County, which can impose more restrictive rules on retailers.

On-premise retailers include bars and restaurants, which primarily sell alcohol for consumption on their premises. In New Mexico, bars and restaurants are categorized differently and have different closing times. While bars can remain open until 2 a.m., restaurants must stop serving alcohol at 11 p.m. or when they stop serving food, whichever is earlier.

The hours during which alcohol can be sold in New Mexico vary depending on the type of retailer and the license they hold. Off-premise retailers, such as liquor stores, can sell alcohol from 7 a.m. to midnight. Restaurants typically follow the same hours as on-premise retailers, but they must stop serving alcohol by 11 p.m. or when their kitchen closes, whichever comes first.

It's worth noting that the minimum drinking age in New Mexico is 21, and it is illegal for anyone under this age to purchase or attempt to purchase alcoholic beverages. Additionally, it is a violation of the Liquor Control Act to sell or serve alcohol to a person who is obviously intoxicated.

Off-premise retailers can sell beer from 7 a.m. to midnight

In New Mexico, off-premise retailers can sell beer and other alcoholic beverages from 7 a.m. to midnight. This includes liquor stores, gas stations, and supermarkets. All alcohol sold by these retailers must be in its original packaging and intended for off-premise consumption.

These hours are the same throughout the state, except for in McKinley County, which can be more restrictive towards off-premise retailers. For example, gas stations in McKinley County can only sell beer and wine after a change to the Liquor Control Act in 2021.

It's worth noting that the laws regarding alcohol sales in New Mexico have evolved over time. For instance, the state used to have Blue Laws restricting Sunday sale hours, but these have been repealed. Now, there are no longer any restrictions on Sunday sales, and alcohol can be sold during the same hours as any other day of the week.

Additionally, it's important to keep in mind that local areas in New Mexico have some flexibility to modify the days and times of alcohol sales. This means that there may be slight variations in the hours during which off-premise retailers can sell beer in different parts of the state.

Overall, while the hours of 7 a.m. to midnight for off-premise beer sales are standard across New Mexico, there may be some exceptions and local variations, so it's always a good idea to check the specific regulations in your area.

Restaurants can sell beer from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m

New Mexico's alcohol laws apply to both residents and visitors. The state permits the sale of alcohol every day of the week, with no dry counties. The minimum drinking age is 21 in New Mexico, and it is illegal for anyone under this age to buy or attempt to buy alcohol.

For restaurants, the law allows alcohol to be served and consumed from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m., seven days a week. However, the only hours restrictions are for the new A & B licenses, which must stop serving at 11 p.m. or when the kitchen stops serving food, whichever is earlier. This means that restaurants with these licenses can sell beer from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

On-premise retailers, such as bars, can sell beer between 7 a.m. and 2 a.m. Off-premise retailers, such as liquor stores, can sell alcohol between 7 a.m. and midnight. These hours are the same throughout the state, except for McKinley County, which can have more restrictive hours for off-premise retailers.

In Albuquerque, specifically, packaged alcoholic beverages may be sold between noon and midnight on Sundays and between 7 a.m. and midnight Monday through Saturday. For bars and restaurants in Albuquerque, alcohol may be served between 11 a.m. and midnight on Sundays and between 7 a.m. and 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday.

It's important to note that local laws can vary, and it's always a good idea to check the specific regulations for the area you're in.

There are no dry counties in New Mexico

New Mexico is not a dry state, and there are no dry counties in New Mexico. However, the sale of alcohol is prohibited in certain areas. The legal drinking age in New Mexico is 21, and it is illegal for anyone under that age to buy or attempt to buy alcohol. The state also prohibits the sale of alcohol to anyone under 21.

The days and hours during which alcohol can be sold in New Mexico vary depending on the type of license the business holds and the day of the week. On Mondays, businesses licensed to sell alcohol for off-site consumption can do so from 7:00 a.m. until midnight. On Tuesdays through Saturdays, they can sell alcohol from after midnight of the previous day until 2:00 a.m. and then from 7:00 a.m. until midnight. On Sundays, they can only sell alcohol from after midnight of the previous day until 2:00 a.m.

Businesses licensed to sell alcohol for on-site consumption can do so from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. from Tuesday through Saturday. On Mondays, they can sell alcohol from 7:00 a.m. until midnight, and on Sundays, they can sell alcohol from after midnight of the previous day until 2:00 a.m. These hours apply to the entire state, except for Local Option Districts in McKinley County, which can restrict alcohol sales between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.

Additionally, local laws in New Mexico may modify the days and times that alcohol can be sold. Areas under the control of Indian nations, tribes, or pueblos can also determine their own alcohol laws.

Minors can drink with their parents or guardians in a private residence

In New Mexico, it is legal for minors to consume alcohol in a restaurant if they are accompanied by their parents or legal guardians. However, it is important to note that this is not allowed in all restaurants, as some establishments have their own policies prohibiting the service of alcohol to minors. Therefore, it is advisable to check with the restaurant beforehand.

According to New Mexico law, minors can drink with their parents or guardians in a private residence. Specifically, it is legal for a parent, legal guardian, or adult spouse of a minor to serve alcoholic beverages to that minor on real property, excluding licensed premises, under the control of the parent, legal guardian, or adult spouse. This means that minors are allowed to possess and consume alcohol when provided by their parents, legal guardians, or adult spouses in a private setting, such as their home.

The law states that it is a violation of the Liquor Control Act to sell, serve, or give alcoholic beverages to a minor or to permit a minor to consume alcohol on licensed premises. However, it is not considered a violation when a parent, legal guardian, or adult spouse serves alcohol to their minor child in a private setting. This exception to the law allows parents and guardians to introduce alcohol to their children in a controlled and supervised environment, with the intention of fostering responsible drinking habits.

It is worth noting that while New Mexico allows minors to drink with their parents or guardians in private residences, the legal drinking age to purchase and consume alcohol without supervision in the state is still 21 years old. It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to buy or attempt to buy alcoholic beverages, and businesses are only permitted to sell alcohol during specific hours, which vary for on-site and off-site consumption.

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