New law allows for home delivery of alcohol

A bill recently passed by the New Mexico legislature could have alcohol going straight to customers’ doorsteps.

The bill, introduced by New Mexico Sen. Gerald Ortiz y Pinto, allows for the delivery of alcohol with a purchase of $20 worth of food in local districts that vote to approve the delivery licensing.

Restaurants that wish to participate will be required to register for a license to deliver alcohol to customers that restricts the amount allowable for delivery.

The licensing fee will cost participating businesses $1,300 annually.

According to the bill, restaurants will be able to deliver 144 ounces of beer or one and a half liters of wine with delivery food orders totaling $20 or more.

To qualify for the license, a restaurant must get 70 percent of its gross receipts from the sale of meals. Restaurants that qualify will be required to halt alcohol deliveries when they stop serving food or by 10 p.m., depending on which happens first.

The licensing will require that alcohol delivery drivers be alcohol server certified.

Mark Vigil, owner of Vines Italian Restaurant, said the legislation was new to him, but he will be looking into the law’s potential.

Roosevelt Brewing Company owner Justin Cole said his restaurant doesn’t have any plans in place to pursue an alcohol delivery service. He said he would have to conduct market research before deciding how to proceed with any alcohol delivery service.

“We’re definitely looking forward to possibly increasing our services to the community,” Cole said of the law.

Eastern New Mexico University President Steven Gamble said the new law will not change anything for 21-year-old and above adults living on campus.

Gamble said the university will remain a dry campus, including sorority and fraternity houses.