How to Get a Retail alcohol License in New Mexico (2026)

New Mexico Alcoholic Beverage Control Division.

New Mexico Alcoholic Beverage Control Division.

Alcoholic Beverage Control Division

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Open the official agency page

https://www.rld.nm.gov/abc/licensing/

Apply For or Renew a License

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Open the official agency page

https://www.rld.nm.gov/abc/licensing/

Go to NM-PLUS to apply or renew.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

People required to hold an Alcohol Server Permit must take and pass an approved Alcohol Server Education Course; renewal requires another course.

People required to hold an Alcohol Server Permit must take and pass an approved Alcohol Server Education Course; renewal requires another course.

You must take and pass an approved Alcohol Server Education Course. To renew your server certification, you must take another server certification course.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Dispenser licenses cover businesses such as bars, grocery stores, convenience stores and package liquor stores. Dispenser licenses are quota-limited.

Dispenser licenses cover businesses such as bars, grocery stores, convenience stores and package liquor stores. Dispenser licenses are quota-limited.

New Mexico is a quota state and has a limited number of Dispenser-type licenses and the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division has issued all liquor licenses allowed by law. Some examples of businesses that need a Dispenser license are: bars, full-service restaurants that have a bar, convenience stores, grocery stores, wine bars, gift shops, nightclubs, and package liquor stores.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Restaurant A covers beer and wine; A+ adds New Mexico-produced spirits; Restaurant B includes beer, wine and spirits.

Restaurant A covers beer and wine; A+ adds New Mexico-produced spirits; Restaurant B includes beer, wine and spirits.

Restaurant A, for beer and wine only Restaurant A+ New Mexico Produced Spirits only Permit Restaurant B, includes beer, wine and any spirit

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Restaurant renewal requires at least 60% of gross receipts from food and no more than 40% from alcohol.

Restaurant renewal requires at least 60% of gross receipts from food and no more than 40% from alcohol.

To qualify for Renewal of a Restaurant License, at least 60% of the gross receipts must come from the sale of food and no more than 40% may come from the sale of alcohol.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Everyone who sells or serves alcohol must keep an active Alcohol Server Permit, including the owners, leaseholders and managers identified in ABC's guidance.

Everyone who sells or serves alcohol must keep an active Alcohol Server Permit, including the owners, leaseholders and managers identified in ABC's guidance.

Everyone who sells or serves alcohol in the state of New Mexico is required to obtain an Alcohol Server Permit and it must remain active/current. This includes all liquor license owners, lease holders, managers, the designated resident agent for the license

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Ordinary licenses are issued for one year, except new licenses issued after the licensing year begins; nonresident licenses and common carrier registrations have a separate term.

Ordinary licenses are issued for one year, except new licenses issued after the licensing year begins; nonresident licenses and common carrier registrations have a separate term.

All licenses provided for in the Liquor Control Act, except for nonresident licenses and common carrier registrations, shall be issued for a one-year period except for new licenses issued after the beginning of the license year.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Dispenser, retailer and canopy: apply and pay by April 1; licenses expire June 30. Restaurant, club, wholesaler and manufacturer: apply and pay by August 1; licenses expire October 31.

The license year for dispenser, retailer and canopy licenses shall end on June 30 of each year. All dispenser, retailer and canopy licenses shall expire on June 30 unless renewed. The annual renewal application and renewal fee are due on April 1 of each year. The license year for restaurant, club, wholesaler and manufacturer licenses shall end on October 31 of each year. All restaurant, club, wholesaler and manufacturer licenses shall expire on October 31 unless renewed. The annual renewal application and renewal fee are due on August 1 of each year. Applies to: Dispenser/retailer/canopy and restaurant/club classes follow the respective schedules; wholesaler/manufacturer classes are included in the quoted second schedule.

The license year for dispenser, retailer and canopy licenses shall end on June 30 of each year. All dispenser, retailer and canopy licenses shall expire on June 30 unless renewed. The annual renewal application and renewal fee are due on April 1 of each year. The license year for restaurant, club, wholesaler and manufacturer licenses shall end on October 31 of each year. All restaurant, club, wholesaler and manufacturer licenses shall expire on October 31 unless renewed. The annual renewal application and renewal fee are due on August 1 of each year.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026