What Time do they Stop Selling Alcohol in New Mexico? 2024 Alcohol Laws

We all want to avoid penalties related to alcohol intake or DUI. But what time do they stop selling alcohol in New Mexico? Understanding the laws regarding alcohol sales can be confusing, especially when they vary by state, county, and even city.

In New Mexico, the laws surrounding alcohol sales can be particularly complex, with variations depending on the day of the week, the type of establishment, and the location. Alcohol laws in California are equally as complex as well as other States.

Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, it’s essential to know the regulations surrounding alcohol sales in New Mexico, to avoid any legal issues and ensure a responsible and enjoyable experience. In this article, we’ll explore the details of when alcohol sales stop in New Mexico and provide answers to some frequently asked questions on the topic.

What Time Do They Stop Selling Alcohol in New Mexico?

For package liquor sales, alcohol can generally be sold from 7:00 am to 12:00 am (midnight) from Monday to Saturday, and from 12:00 pm (noon) to 12:00 am (midnight) on Sundays. On-premises consumption hours depend on the license the establishment has, with those with a beer and wine license able to sell alcohol from 7:00 am to 2:00 am every day, and full liquor license establishments from 11:00 am to 2:00 am every day. Restaurants are allowed to sell alcohol from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m. or until they stop serving food.

Local ordinances may also regulate alcohol sales, so it’s advisable to confirm with the specific establishment or local authorities the exact sale hours in a particular area.

In New Mexico, alcohol sales are regulated by the state’s Alcohol and Gaming Division. The specific hours for the sale of alcohol vary depending on the type of establishment and the day of the week.

For package liquor sales (i.e. off-premises consumption), alcohol can generally be sold between 7:00 am and 12:00 am (midnight) from Monday to Saturday, and from 12:00 pm (noon) to 12:00 am (midnight) on Sundays.

For on-premises consumption, the hours for selling alcohol depend on the type of license the establishment has. Generally, establishments with a beer and wine license can sell alcohol from 7:00 am to 2:00 am every day of the week, while those with a full liquor license can sell alcohol from 11:00 am to 2:00 am every day of the week.

However, it’s important to note that local ordinances may further regulate alcohol sales, so it’s always a good idea to check with the specific establishment or local authorities to confirm the exact hours of sale in a particular area. This is seen even in Massachussetts alcohol laws.

What time can you buy alcohol in New Mexico from Monday to Saturday?

In New Mexico, alcohol can generally be sold for off-premises consumption (package liquor sales) from 7:00 am to 12:00 am (midnight) from Monday to Saturday.

While the state of New Mexico has set specific hours for alcohol sales, local counties and municipalities may further regulate the sale of alcohol within their jurisdiction. As a result, there may be some variations in the hours during which alcohol can be sold depending on the location.

For example, some counties may allow for earlier or later alcohol sales than the state’s general hours. In Bernalillo County, where Albuquerque is located, alcohol can be sold until 2:00 am every day of the week, regardless of the type of establishment. Additionally, some counties may restrict alcohol sales altogether on certain days, such as election days.

For on-premises consumption, the hours during which alcohol can be sold also vary depending on the type of establishment and the county or municipality. Generally, establishments with a beer and wine license can sell alcohol from 7:00 am to 2:00 am every day of the week, while those with a full liquor license can sell alcohol from 11:00 am to 2:00 am every day of the week.

However, some counties may have different hours for on-premises consumption. For example, in Doña Ana County, which includes the city of Las Cruces, establishments with a beer and wine license can sell alcohol from 7:00 am to 12:00 am (midnight) from Monday to Saturday. Meanwhile, those with a full liquor license can sell alcohol from 11:00 am to 12:00 am (midnight) from Monday to Saturday.

As with off-premises sales, it’s important to check with the specific establishment or local authorities for the most up-to-date information on on-premises alcohol sales hours in a particular county or municipality.

It’s important to note that these variations can change over time, so it’s advisable to check with the specific establishment or local authorities for the most up-to-date information on alcohol sales hours in a particular county or municipality.

What time can you buy alcohol in New Mexico from Sunday?

In New Mexico, alcohol can be sold for off-premises consumption (package liquor sales) from 12:00 pm (noon) to 12:00 am (midnight) on Sundays. For on-premises consumption, the hours during which alcohol can be sold depend on the type of establishment and the county or municipality, but in general, establishments with a beer and wine license can sell alcohol from 7:00 am to 2:00 am every day of the week, and those with a full liquor license can sell alcohol from 11:00 am to 2:00 am every day of the week, including Sundays.

New Mexico is fully wet. On Sunday, most of the counties are dry on until noon if the local jurisdictions has not elected to go dry by public referendum. In New Mexico, there are no “dry” counties, meaning that the sale of alcohol is permitted in all counties in the state.

However, individual counties and municipalities may regulate the hours during which alcohol can be sold on Sundays and other days of the week.

Therefore, while alcohol sales are generally permitted in New Mexico on Sundays, the specific hours may vary depending on the county or municipality. It’s advisable to check with the specific establishment or local authorities for the exact hours of sale in a particular area.

Are there dry counties or cities in New Mexico?

There are no dry counties or cities in New Mexico. In the United States, “dry” areas are those where the sale and/or consumption of alcohol is prohibited. While New Mexico does allow local counties and municipalities to regulate alcohol sales and consumption, no county or city in the state currently prohibits the sale or consumption of alcohol altogether.

However, some areas in New Mexico may impose restrictions on alcohol sales or consumption. For example, some counties and municipalities may prohibit alcohol sales during certain hours, such as on Sundays, or may require that establishments obtain a special permit to sell alcohol.

Additionally, some Native American tribal lands in New Mexico may regulate alcohol differently than the rest of the state. For example, some tribal lands may prohibit the sale of alcohol altogether, while others may allow it but with certain restrictions or limitations.

It’s important to note that laws and regulations related to alcohol sales and consumption in New Mexico can be complex and vary depending on the specific county, municipality, or tribal land. It’s always advisable to check with the specific establishment or local authorities for the most up-to-date information on alcohol regulations in a particular area.

Is Albuquerque a dry city?

Albuquerque is not a dry city. The sale and consumption of alcohol are legal within the city limits of Albuquerque, as well as in the rest of Bernalillo County. However, specific regulations on the sale and consumption of alcohol in Albuquerque may vary depending on the type of establishment and the time of day.

For example, in Albuquerque, establishments with a beer and wine license can sell alcohol from 7:00 am to 2:00 am every day of the week, while those with a full liquor license can sell alcohol from 11:00 am to 2:00 am every day of the week. However, there may be some variations in these hours depending on the specific establishment or the county and municipal regulations.

It’s always advisable to check with the specific establishment or local authorities for the most up-to-date information on alcohol regulations in Albuquerque or any other city in New Mexico.

Places you can buy beer in New Mexico

Here is a table outlining the places you can buy beer in New Mexico, including bars and restaurants, breweries and taprooms, gas stations, grocery stores, and package and liquor stores, along with their opening and closing times, whether they refill growlers, license requirements, and other considerations:

Places to Buy Beer	Operating Times (Mon-Sat)	Operating Times (Sun)	Refill Growlers	License Required	Other Considerations
Bars and Restaurants	7:00 am – 2:00 am	12:00 pm – 12:00 am	No	Liquor License	Drink responsibly
Breweries & Taprooms	Varies by location (7:00 am to 2:00 am)	Varies by location (7:00 am to 2:00 am)	Yes	Brewery License	Brewery tours offered
Gas Stations	24 hours	12:00 pm – 12:00 am	No	Convenience Store License	Beer sold in cans/bottles
Grocery Stores	7:00 am – 12:00 am	12:00 pm – 12:00 am	No	Grocery Store License	Beer sold in cans/bottles
Package & Liquor Stores	7:00 am – 12:00 am	12:00 pm – 12:00 am	Yes	Liquor License	Limited hours on Sundays

It’s important to note that the hours and regulations may vary by location, so it’s always a good idea to check local laws and regulations before making any purchases. Additionally, it’s crucial to consume alcohol responsibly and always designate a sober driver or use alternative transportation if consuming alcohol.

Carrying alcohol in public in New Mexico

It is illegal to carry open containers of alcohol in public places in New Mexico. The state law prohibits the consumption of alcoholic beverages in public places, and carrying an open container of alcohol in a public place can result in a fine or even arrest.

The law defines an open container as any bottle, can, or other container that has been opened or has a broken seal, or from which some of the contents have been removed.

However, it’s important to note that the laws regarding carrying closed containers of alcohol in public places in New Mexico can vary depending on the location and circumstances. In some areas, such as licensed premises or designated areas during specific events, it may be legal to carry closed containers of alcohol. Nonetheless, it’s advisable to check with local authorities to avoid any legal issues.

It’s essential to consume alcohol responsibly and avoid drinking and driving, as New Mexico has strict DUI (driving under the influence) laws and penalties that can include fines, imprisonment, or even license suspension.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) penalties in New Mexico

DUI (Driving Under the Influence) penalties in New Mexico can include fines, imprisonment, license suspension, mandatory alcohol treatment programs, and community service. The severity of the penalties varies depending on factors such as the offender’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC), prior DUI convictions, and the circumstances of the offense.

For a first-time DUI offense in New Mexico, the penalties can include fines up to $500, jail time up to 90 days, license suspension up to one year, mandatory completion of a drug and alcohol treatment program, and community service. The penalties for subsequent offenses become more severe, with longer jail sentences, higher fines, and longer license suspensions.

In addition to criminal penalties, a DUI conviction can also have long-lasting consequences, such as increased insurance rates, difficulty finding employment, and a permanent criminal record. Therefore, it’s crucial to avoid drinking and driving and always designate a sober driver or use alternative transportation if consuming alcohol.

Penalty for Drinking if you are under 21 years old

In New Mexico, it is illegal for individuals who are under 21 years old to possess or consume alcohol. If caught drinking while under the legal drinking age, penalties can include fines, community service, alcohol education classes, and the suspension or revocation of their driver’s license. Moreover the legal limit for those under 21 is 0.02% blood alcohol concentration (BAC).

The penalties for underage drinking in New Mexico vary depending on the circumstances of the offense. For example, a first-time offender may face a fine of up to $300, up to 40 hours of community service, and an alcohol education course. Repeat offenders may face higher fines, longer community service hours, and longer license suspensions or revocations.

In addition to the legal penalties, underage drinking can have long-term consequences, such as impacting future employment opportunities or educational prospects. It’s essential to understand the risks and consequences of underage drinking and to make responsible choices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the laws regarding alcohol sales in New Mexico can be complex, with variations depending on the location, establishment, and day of the week. It’s essential to be aware of these regulations to avoid any legal issues and ensure a responsible and enjoyable experience. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, remember to always consume alcohol responsibly, designate a sober driver, and respect the laws and regulations in place.

Generally, alcohol can be sold for off-premises consumption from 7:00 am to 12:00 am (midnight) Monday through Saturday, and from 12:00 pm (noon) to 12:00 am (midnight) on Sundays. For on-premises consumption, the hours during which alcohol can be sold depend on the type of establishment and the county or municipality, but in general, establishments with a beer and wine license can sell alcohol from 7:00 am to 2:00 am every day of the week, and those with a full liquor license can sell alcohol from 11:00 am to 2:00 am every day of the week. However, there may be variations in these hours depending on the county or municipality.

Ultimately, understanding the laws surrounding alcohol sales in New Mexico can help promote a safe and enjoyable drinking culture, both in private and public settings. By adhering to the regulations in place and making responsible choices, we can all do our part to create a positive and responsible drinking environment in New Mexico.

FAQs

Sources

https://www.rld.nm.gov/abc/frequently-asked-questions/for-existing-licensees

https://alcoholpolicy.niaaa.nih.gov/underage-drinking/state-profiles/new-mexico/83