The New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department's Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Division is the state agency responsible for regulating all aspects of alcohol licensing, sales, and service in New Mexico. Whether you operate a restaurant, bar, retail store, or any other alcohol-related business, your relationship with the ABC Division shapes your compliance obligations and operational requirements. This guide explains what the ABC Division does, how to contact them, which license types they oversee, and the critical compliance requirements that keep your business operating legally.
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Start Your Course →The New Mexico ABC Division serves as the regulatory body overseeing all licensed alcohol activity in the state. Their mission is to maintain order in the alcohol beverage industry while ensuring public safety and compliance with state law.
The Division issues and renews licenses for all types of alcohol businesses, from small retail shops to large restaurants and bars. They evaluate applications, conduct compliance inspections, investigate violations, and enforce state alcohol laws. Beyond licensing, the ABC Division maintains records of all licensed alcohol businesses in New Mexico and tracks compliance history.
The Division also investigates complaints and violations. If a business violates alcohol regulations, the ABC Division may impose penalties ranging from warnings to substantial fines. In serious cases, the Division can suspend or revoke a business's license entirely.
The main phone number is 505-476-4875. The staff can answer questions about licensing requirements, explain which license type applies to your business, and provide guidance on the application process.
You can also visit the ABC Division's website at rld.nm.gov/abc. For in-person visits, the offices are located at 2550 Cerrillos Road, 2nd Floor, Santa Fe, NM 87505.
Retail Package Licenses allow off-premises sales of beer, wine, and spirits — think liquor stores, grocery stores, and convenience stores.
On-Premises Licenses cover bars, taverns, nightclubs, and similar establishments where alcohol is consumed on-site.
Full-Service Restaurant Licenses apply to establishments where food service is a significant part of the business. Notably, the restaurant license allows 19 and 20-year-olds to serve alcohol with meals.
Brewery and Brewpub Licenses support craft brewery operations, allowing beer production and direct-to-consumer sales in tasting rooms.
Special Event Licenses provide temporary authorization for alcohol service at specific events like weddings, festivals, and fundraisers.
The most fundamental requirement is ensuring every employee involved in alcohol service or sales holds a current, valid Way To Serve® certification. This state-approved training course takes approximately 4.5 hours to complete online through approved providers like Certification Experts.
Age requirements are non-negotiable. Generally, only individuals 21 and older may serve or sell alcohol. The exception allows 19 and 20-year-olds to serve alcohol in full-service restaurants where meals are the primary business focus.
Happy hour regulations represent another significant compliance area. New Mexico restricts alcohol promotions to four hours per day maximum. Two-for-one deals are prohibited, and happy hour specials cannot be advertised publicly.
New Mexico's dram shop liability law, codified in §41-11-1, holds alcohol sellers and servers liable for damages caused by intoxicated individuals. Under this law, if your business sells alcohol to an intoxicated individual who subsequently causes harm to someone else, the injured party can sue your business for damages.
The law caps liability at $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident. To manage dram shop risk, all staff must receive training in recognizing intoxication signs and understand when to refuse service. The Way To Serve® course covers these skills extensively.
Your alcohol business must maintain compliance on an ongoing basis. Licenses require periodic renewal and payment of renewal fees. The ABC Division sends renewal notices in advance of expiration dates, but staying organized about your renewal obligations is your responsibility.
During the term of your license, the ABC Division may conduct unannounced compliance inspections verifying that staff holds current Way To Serve® certifications, that you're complying with happy hour restrictions, and that operational practices meet regulatory standards.
Minor violations might result in a warning. More serious violations — such as serving obviously intoxicated customers, allowing underage service, or repeatedly violating happy hour regulations — can result in substantial fines. The most serious consequence is license suspension or revocation.
Your staff's Way To Serve® certification is a cornerstone of your compliance program. When your entire team holds current certifications and understands responsible service practices, you reduce violations, manage liability risk, and create a professional operation that the ABC Division can confidently license.
Ready to ensure your team meets New Mexico's requirements for alcohol service? Every employee who serves or sells alcohol must complete Way To Serve® certification. Start your staff's training today by visiting our New Mexico Alcohol Awareness Courses page.