WHOLESALER LICENSE
Small Brewer, Craft Distiller or Winegrower licenses can only sell their product to Wholesalers or to another licensee with same type of license, and Small Brewers /Winegrowers may sell other NM produced Beer and Wine with Craft Distiller able to sell other NM produced Spirits. Should you want to expand that, note the following:
§60-6A-1 Full Wholesaler: No Prerequisites, Sale of any NM or out of state products to Wholesaler, Retailer, Dispenser, Canopy, Restaurant, Club, Governmental Licensee or its Lessee (subject to 60-8A Franchise)
Beer: no prerequisites, allows any beers from NM or out of state
Craft Distiller: no prerequisites, allows any spirits from NM or out of state
Wine: no prerequisites, allows any wines from NM or out of state
§60-6A-29 Wine Wholesaler: Holds Winegrower License, with sale to Retailers and other NM wines only
§60-6A-35 Limited: Holds Small Brewer or Winegrower AND a Dispenser or Restaurant license and only their product
INSTRUCTIONS FOR WHOLESALER LIQUOR LICENSE APPLICATION: click for Application Packet
The non-refundable Application Fee of $200.00, and if applicable, and the $50.00 Resident Agent Fee must be enclosed or the application will be returned to you. Keep a copy of the complete application packet for your records.
Identify the Type of Wholesaler License applying for:
Beer $1,000 |Wine $750 |Beer & Wine $1,500 |Spirits $1,500 |Spirits & Wine $1,750 |Spirits & Beer & Wine $2,500
Limited Wholesaler License
for Small Brewer or Winegrower that is only going to sell or ship their own product. Fees are based on production, as follows:
Limited Beer, Must also hold a Restaurant or Dispenser type license and a Small Brewer License
$25 up to 5,000g, $100 over 5,000 gallons
Limited Wine, Must also hold a Restaurant or Dispenser type license and a Winegrower License
$25 up to 5,000 gallons, $100 over 5,000 gallons
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Checklist, use to assist you in submitting all the required documentation; submit with application.
Appointment of Representative – If Applicant is represented by an attorney, broker, CPA, etc., include a signed/dated letter, which authorizes ABC to disclose information and allows the appointee to speak/act on behalf of applicant.
Pages 1, 5, and 6 must be signed and notarized.
Note that all supporting documentation submitted must be in the name of the APPLICANT. If the applicant is a Corporation, LLC, Partnership, or Trust, the required documentation such as Tax Registration Certificate, Proof of Tenancy (Lease/Deed), Bills of Sale, etc., must be in the name of that entity.
Fingerprints <Obtain fingerprint packet from ABC website for instructions and forms: Because the Liquor Control Act does not allow for a Convicted Felon to own or be an officer on a Liquor License, this Agency requires such persons to be fingerprinted to receive the background reports from the State and Federal level.
Fingerprints are required for the Applicant and each Principal Officer/Director/Resident Agent listed, only if they have never submitted fingerprints to this agency before, or if there has been an arrest record after date fingerprints were submitted, they’ll need to register with GEMALTO. CLICK HERE FOR INSTRUCTIONS
EXPLANATION OF REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: ALL DOCUMENTS LISTED BELOW ARE REQUIRED FOR A WHOLESALER LIQUOR LICENSE:
Page 1 – Application
Tax Registration Certificate – A copy of the New Mexico Tax Registration Certificate (CRS Identification Number) in the name of the Applicant (sole proprietor, Corporation, LLC etc.) issued by the New Mexico Taxation & Revenue Department. Applicants may obtain this documentation at any field office, call (505) 827-0700, or online.
Federal Basic Permit – If you have obtained this already, submit a copy, otherwise, include a copy of your application with the approval to be submitted before final review. To begin the process or for more information, contact the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, or TTB at https://www.ttb.gov
Licensing Fee – Will only be accepted at Final Review, Applicant will be notified when to submit this. Type and Fee:
Beer $1,000 |Wine $750 |Beer/Wine $1,500 |Spirits $1,500 |Spirits/Wine $1,750 |Spirits /Beer /Wine $2,500
Limited Beer based on production, Must also hold a Restaurant or Dispenser type license and a Small Brewer License
$25 up to 5,000 gallons, $100 over 5,000 gallons
Limited Wine based on production, Must also hold a Restaurant or Dispenser type license and a Winegrower License
$25 up to 5,000 gallons, $100 over 5,000 gallons
Page 2 – Premises, Location and Description
Proof of Tenancy (Lease, Warranty Deed or Real Estate Contract) – A complete copy of the fully executed Lease Agreement, Warranty Deed or Real Estate Contract, for the premise in the name of the Applicant.
- The Lease Agreement must be signed by both parties (Lessor and Lessee). All Exhibits, Addendums to Lease Agreement, Amendments to Lease Agreement, or Subleases must accompany the Lease Agreement.
- If Lease Agreement does not address Permitted Use of the sale, service and/or manufacturing of alcohol on the premises, you must submit an Addendum permitting this use.
- The Warranty Deed must be a filed and recorded copy.
Zoning Statement – A copy of the Zoning Statement for the proposed premises, must be current/within one year of application date, issued by the Local Governing Body, on official letterhead. Contact your city or county clerk for contact information for the zoning office in your area. The Zoning Statement must include each of the following:
- The complete physical address of the proposed establishment.
- Zoning type (example: C-1, Commercial).
- A Statement regarding Permitted Use for the type of liquor license being applied for – need permission for Wholesaling, Storage and Selling alcoholic beverages. (example: On-premises consumption of alcohol is a permitted use within this zone; with or without Patio Service permitted; Manufacturing permitted use; Sale of packaged alcohol for off-premises consumption permitted use).
Detailed Floor Plan with Photos – A Floor Plan for the proposed premises, showing the entrances/exits, storage, sale, service, and consumption areas. All areas must be completely labeled. Submit legible Plan, that may be hand-drawn or architect drawing, on an 8½ x 11” sheet of paper for each floor. Please DO NOT submit blueprints. Drawing must indicate:
- Name of Applicant, Physical Address and clearly mark which direction is North.
- Location of the main street in relation to the licensed premises.
- Label Floor Plan, include Bonded Areas and show Storage areas and Manufacturing areas, if applicable; Layout must show the entrances, exits, and storage areas.
- List Total Square Footage, including Patio, if applicable (example: 2,500 square feet or 2,000 +500 patio =2,500).
Only if proposed premises is between 300 and 400 feet of the nearest church or school, you will need:
Surveyor’s Certificate – A certified copy of the Surveyor’s Certificate (Plat), showing the measurement from the nearest point of the proposed premises to the nearest point of the church or school property line. All measurements should be taken by shortest direct line.
or,
Waiver – A copy of the approved Waiver from the Local Governing Body, on official letterhead.
Opinion Letter – Obtain a Letter, on official letterhead, from the Church or School in question, indicating whether or not they object to the application and/or issuance of a liquor license at the proposed location.
PAGE 3 - Required for Corporations/ Limited Liability Companies/ Partnerships/ Trusts
Full disclosure totaling 100% is required. Each individual, Principal Officer, Director, Member, Manager, Partner and each Shareholder holding 10% or more, applying for license must complete the Personal Data Affidavit form. Each individual, Principal Officer, Director, Member, Manager, Partner and each Shareholder who owns a 10% interest or more must be Fingerprinted. All Owners that run operations, on-site Managers, Managing Members and Resident Agents must obtain and/or maintain a valid Alcohol Server Certification Permit.
Partnership:
- Partnership Agreement – A complete and fully executed Partnership Agreement.
- Certificate of Partnership – A Certificate of Partnership issued by the Secretary of State’s Office (if applicable).
Corporation
- Certificate of Incorporation – A copy of the Certificate of Incorporation.
- Articles of Incorporation – A filed copy of the Articles of Incorporation and any amendments thereto.
- Certificate of Good Standing – A copy of the Certificate of Good Standing. The Division will obtain this document from the Public Regulation Commission. The corporation MUST be in good standing.
- Certificate of Authority – A copy of the Certificate of Authority for all Foreign Profit Corporations (out-of-state).
Limited Liability Company
- Certificate of Organization – A copy of the Certificate of Organization.
- Articles of Organization – A filed copy of the Articles of Organization and any amendments thereto.
- Operating Agreement – A complete and fully executed Operating Agreement listing all members and managers including percentages of interest owned by each and any amendments thereto.
- Certificate of Registration – A copy of the Certificate of Registration for all Foreign Profit Companies (out-of-state).
Page 4 – Trust
- Trust Agreement – A complete and fully executed Trust Agreement shall be provided for In-Camera Review by the Division. It should not be attached to the application, only brought in by Applicant for review.
PAGE 5 - DESIGNATED RESIDENT AGENT:
An Applicant who is not a sole proprietor is required to submit information regarding a New Mexico resident, who is not a felon, to act on behalf of the company and accept service of process for all purposes relating to the sales and service of the alcoholic beverages, including orders and notices of the Director and/or the Division.
The Resident Agent form must be completed, signed, and notarized in two places.
First Section – the Appointment section, is to be completed and signed by an officer, director or a shareholder, holding a 10% interest or more, who has been fingerprint qualified. This signature must be notarized. In this section, the applicant will list the name of the chosen Resident Agent.
Second Section – the Acceptance section, must be completed and signed by the individual who has been designated as the Resident Agent by the Applicant. The signature of the Resident Agent must also be notarized.
The individual designated as Resident Agent must complete a Personal Data Affidavit Form. Note: All entities must file a new application for Resident Agent each time there is a change in agents.
Each Resident Agent MUST BE: Fingerprinted; Hold a current Servers Certification Permit, attach a copy to application; an individual, at least 21 years of age, and at time of application; A Resident of the State of New Mexico and remain a resident of New Mexico; Cannot have been convicted of a felony or of two misdemeanor violations of the Liquor Control Act in any calendar year.
PAGE 6 – PERSONAL DATA AFFIDAVIT:
Submit this page for each individual applicant, each Principal Officer and Director of a Corporation, each Stockholder (individual) owning 10% or more of the stock in Applicant Corporation, each individual Limited or General Partner, and each Resident Agent for a Corporation, and each Manager and Member of LLC with 10% or more interest.
As part of the application, EACH individual, Principal Officer, Director, and Shareholder who owns a 10% interest or more, applying for license must complete the Personal Data Affidavit Form.
All Owners, on-site Managers and Resident Agents must obtain or maintain a valid Alcohol Server Certification Permit.
Everyone who sells or serves alcohol in the state of New Mexico is required to obtain a permit by taking a New Mexico approved Alcohol Server Education class. This includes all Bartenders, Waiters, Managers, Liquor License Owners, Convenience or Grocery Store Clerks, and the Designated Resident Agent for the License.
Please Note: The Director may require additional information or supporting documentation to complete the application.
Brief Overview of some of the applicable New Mexico State Laws for a Wholesaler Liquor License:
§60-3A-3. Definitions.
As used in the Liquor Control Act:
A. "alcoholic beverages" means distilled or rectified spirits, potable alcohol, powdered alcohol, frozen or freeze-dried alcohol, brandy, whiskey, rum, gin and aromatic bitters bearing the federal internal revenue strip stamps or any similar alcoholic beverage, including blended or fermented beverages, dilutions or mixtures of one or more of the foregoing containing more than one-half percent alcohol, but excluding medicinal bitters;
B. "beer" means an alcoholic beverage obtained by the fermentation of any infusion or decoction of barley, malt and hops or other cereals in water, and includes porter, beer, ale and stout;
C. "brewer" means a person who owns or operates a business for the manufacture of beer;
D. "cider" means an alcoholic beverage made from the normal alcoholic fermentation of the juice of sound, ripe apples that contains not less than one-half of one percent alcohol by volume and not more than seven percent alcohol by volume;
E. "club" means:
(1) any nonprofit group, including an auxiliary or subsidiary group, organized and operated under the laws of this state, with a membership of not less than fifty members who pay membership dues at the rate of not less than five dollars ($5.00) per year and who, under the constitution and bylaws of the club, have all voting rights and full membership privileges, and which group is the owner, lessee or occupant of premises used exclusively for club purposes and which group the director finds:
(a) is operated solely for recreation, social, patriotic, political, benevolent or athletic purposes; and
(b) has been granted an exemption by the United States from the payment of the federal income tax as a club under the provisions of Section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or, if the applicant has not operated as a club for a sufficient time to be eligible for the income tax exemption, it must execute and file with the director a sworn letter of intent declaring that it will, in good faith, apply for an income tax exemption as soon as it is eligible; or
(2) an airline passenger membership club operated by an air common carrier that maintains or operates a clubroom at an international airport terminal. As used in this paragraph, "air common carrier" means a person engaged in regularly scheduled air transportation between fixed termini under a certificate of public convenience and necessity issued by the federal aviation administration;
F. "commission" means the secretary of public safety when the term is used in reference to the enforcement and investigatory provisions of the Liquor Control Act and means the superintendent of regulation and licensing when the term is used in reference to the licensing provisions of the Liquor Control Act;
G. "department" means the New Mexico state police division of the department of public safety when the term is used in reference to the enforcement and investigatory provisions of the Liquor Control Act and means the director of the alcohol and gaming division of the regulation and licensing department when the term is used in reference to the licensing provisions of the Liquor Control Act;
H. "director" means the chief of the New Mexico state police division of the department of public safety when the term is used in reference to the enforcement and investigatory provisions of the Liquor Control Act and means the director of the alcohol and gaming division of the regulation and licensing department when the term is used in reference to the licensing provisions of the Liquor Control Act;
I. "dispenser" means a person licensed under the provisions of the Liquor Control Act selling, offering for sale or having in the person's possession with the intent to sell alcoholic beverages both by the drink for consumption on the licensed premises and in unbroken packages for consumption and not for resale off the licensed premises;
J. "distiller" means a person engaged in manufacturing spirituous liquors;
K. "golf course" means a tract of land and facilities used for playing golf and other recreational activities that includes tees, fairways, greens, hazards, putting greens, driving ranges, recreational facilities, patios, pro shops, cart paths and public and private roads that are located within the tract of land;
L. "governing body" means the board of county commissioners of a county or the city council or city commissioners of a municipality;
M. "growler" means a clean, refillable, resealable container that has a liquid capacity that does not exceed one gallon and that is intended and used for the sale of beer, wine or cider for consumption off premises;
N. "hotel" means an establishment or complex having a resident of New Mexico as a proprietor or manager and where, in consideration of payment, meals and lodging are regularly furnished to the general public. The establishment or complex must maintain for the use of its guests a minimum of twenty-five sleeping rooms;
O. "licensed premises" means the contiguous areas or areas connected by indoor passageways of a structure and the outside dining, recreation and lounge areas of the structure and the grounds and vineyards of a structure that is a winery that are under the direct control of the licensee and from which the licensee is authorized to sell, serve or allow the consumption of alcoholic beverages under the provisions of its license; provided that in the case of a restaurant, "licensed premises" includes a restaurant that has operated continuously in two separate structures since July 1, 1987 and that is located in a local option district that has voted to disapprove the transfer of liquor licenses into that local option district, hotel, golf course or racetrack and all public and private rooms, facilities and areas in which alcoholic beverages are sold or served in the customary operating procedures of the restaurant, hotel, golf course or racetrack. "Licensed premises" also includes rural dispenser licenses located in the unincorporated areas of a county with a population of less than thirty thousand, located in buildings in existence as of January 1, 2012, that are within one hundred fifty feet of one another and that are under the direct control of the license holder;
P. "local option district" means a county that has voted to approve the sale, serving or public consumption of alcoholic beverages, or an incorporated municipality that falls within a county that has voted to approve the sale, serving or public consumption of alcoholic beverages, or an incorporated municipality of over five thousand population that has independently voted to approve the sale, serving or public consumption of alcoholic beverages under the terms of the Liquor Control Act or any former act;
Q. "manufacturer" means a distiller, rectifier, brewer or winer;
R. "minor" means a person under twenty-one years of age;
S. "package" means an immediate container of alcoholic beverages that is filled or packed by a manufacturer or wine bottler for sale by the manufacturer or wine bottler to wholesalers;
T. "person" means an individual, corporation, firm, partnership, copartnership, association or other legal entity;
U. "rectifier" means a person who blends, mixes or distills alcohol with other liquids or substances for the purpose of making an alcoholic beverage for the purpose of sale other than to the consumer by the drink, and includes all bottlers of spirituous liquors;
V. "restaurant" means an establishment having a New Mexico resident as a proprietor or manager that is held out to the public as a place where meals are prepared and served primarily for on-premises consumption to the general public in consideration of payment and that has a dining room, a kitchen and the employees necessary for preparing, cooking and serving meals; provided that "restaurant" does not include establishments as defined in rules promulgated by the director serving only hamburgers, sandwiches, salads and other fast foods;
W. "retailer" means a person licensed under the provisions of the Liquor Control Act selling, offering for sale or having in the person's possession with the intent to sell alcoholic beverages in unbroken packages for consumption and not for resale off the licensed premises;
X. "spirituous liquors" means alcoholic beverages as defined in Subsection A of this section except fermented beverages such as wine, beer and ale;
Y. "wholesaler" means a person whose place of business is located in New Mexico and who sells, offers for sale or possesses for the purpose of sale any alcoholic beverages for resale by the purchaser;
§60-3A-4. Storage permitted.
Nothing in the Liquor Control Act [60-3A-1 NMSA 1978] shall be construed to prohibit the storage of alcoholic beverages in bona fide public warehouses or guardian warehouses by nonresident licensees or wholesalers for usual and ordinary commercial purposes.
§60-6A-1. Wholesaler's license.
A. In any local option district, a person qualified under the provisions of the Liquor Control Act [60-3A-1 NMSA 1978] may apply for and be issued a license as a wholesaler of alcoholic beverages.
B. No wholesaler shall sell, offer for sale or ship alcoholic beverages not received at and shipped from the premises specified in the wholesaler's license. As used in this section, "received at and shipped from" means that all alcoholic beverages shall be unloaded at the wholesaler's licensed premises and placed into inventory before being sold and shipped to a licensed retailer.
C. No wholesaler shall sell or offer for sale alcoholic beverages to any person other than the holder of a New Mexico wholesaler's, retailer's, dispenser's, canopy, restaurant or club license, a governmental licensee or its lessee or an enterprise owned, operated or licensed by an Indian nation, tribe or pueblo within the state in conformity with an ordinance duly adopted by the Indian nation, tribe or pueblo having jurisdiction over the situs of the transaction within the area of Indian country, certified by the secretary of the interior, published in the federal register, according to the laws of the United States.
§60-6A-7. Nonresident license.
A. A nonresident manufacturer or wholesaler who qualifies may apply for and be issued a nonresident license.
B. No nonresident wholesaler or manufacturer shall, directly or indirectly or through an affiliate or subsidiary, apply for, be granted or hold a license under the provisions of the Liquor Control Act [60-3A-1 NMSA 1978] as a New Mexico wholesaler, manufacturer, dispenser or retailer; provided that a nonresident wholesaler may be granted and hold a New Mexico wholesaler's license only if the business operated, and the New Mexico wholesaler's license, was purchased from an existing wholesaler and is operated as a separate and distinct business from all other businesses of the nonresident wholesaler, including for the purpose of Section 60-8A-6 NMSA 1978, and no alcoholic beverages are transshipped between any of the other businesses and the business operated under that license.
C. Nonresident licensees may sell, offer for sale or ship into the state alcoholic beverages only to licensed New Mexico manufacturers and wholesalers.
D. Every nonresident licensee or every New Mexico wholesaler or rectifier selling or shipping alcoholic beverages to a New Mexico wholesaler shall mail to the department one duplicate invoice covering all shipments into or sales in the state, stating the prices, together with all terms, concessions, allowances, forbearances and deductions. In cases of shipments, a copy of the bill of lading or way bill shall accompany the invoice mailed to the department. On each invoice for alcoholic beverages, the total number of cases and the total number of liters of alcoholic beverage shall also be noted by the shipper or vendor. The invoice of all shipments or sales shall also state the brand, labels and size of containers of each item, unless shipped or sold in bulk to be bottled by a licensed rectifier or wine bottler using his own label and brand; provided, however, this section shall not apply to intrastate sales and shipments from one New Mexico wholesaler to another wholesaler.
E. The director may suspend or revoke the license of a nonresident licensee or wholesaler who does not comply with the provisions of Subsections B through D of this section.
§60-6A-8. Wine bottler's license.
Before any wholesaler whose license permits the sale of wine for resale packages wine for resale, he shall procure from the department a wine bottler's license.
§60-6A-15. License fees.
Every application for the issuance or renewal of the following licenses shall be accompanied by a license fee in the following specified amounts:
A. manufacturer's license as a distiller, except a brandy manufacturer, three thousand dollars ($3,000);
B. manufacturer's license as a brewer, three thousand dollars ($3,000);
C. manufacturer's license as a rectifier, one thousand fifty dollars ($1,050);
D. wholesaler's license to sell all alcoholic beverages for resale only, two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500);
E. wholesaler's license to sell spirituous liquors and wine for resale only, one thousand seven hundred fifty dollars ($1,750);
F. wholesaler's license to sell spirituous liquors for resale only, one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500);
G. wholesaler's license to sell beer and wine for resale only, one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500);
H. wholesaler's license to sell beer for resale only, one thousand dollars ($1,000);
I. wholesaler's license to sell wine for resale only, seven hundred fifty dollars ($750);
J. retailer's license, one thousand three hundred dollars ($1,300);
K. dispenser's license, one thousand three hundred dollars ($1,300);
L. canopy license, one thousand three hundred dollars ($1,300);
M. restaurant license, one thousand fifty dollars ($1,050);
N. club license, for clubs with more than two hundred fifty members, one thousand two hundred fifty dollars ($1,250), and for clubs with two hundred fifty members or fewer, two hundred fifty dollars ($250);
O. wine bottler's license to sell to wholesalers only, five hundred dollars ($500);
P. public service license, one thousand two hundred fifty dollars ($1,250);
Q. nonresident licenses, for a total billing to New Mexico wholesalers:
(1) in excess of:
$3,000,000 annually $10,500;
1,000,000 annually 5,250;
500,000 annually 3,750;
200,000 annually 2,700;
100,000 annually 1,800; and,
50,000 annually 900; and,
(2) of $50,000 or less $300;
R. wine wholesaler's license, for persons with sales of five thousand gallons of wine per year or less, twenty-five dollars ($25.00), and for persons with sales in excess of five thousand gallons of wine per year, one hundred dollars ($100); and
S. beer bottler's license, two hundred dollars ($200).
§60-6A-29. Wine wholesaler's license.
A. In any local option district, a winegrower licensed under the Liquor Control Act [60-3A-1 NMSA 1978] may apply for and be issued a license as a wine wholesaler of wines produced by or for New Mexico winegrowers.
B. No wine wholesaler shall sell, offer for sale or ship wine not received at and shipped from the premises specified in the wine wholesaler's license.
C. No wine wholesaler shall sell or offer for sale wine to any person other than the holder of a New Mexico wine wholesaler's, wholesaler's, retailer's, dispenser's, canopy, restaurant or club license or a governmental licensee or its lessee.
D. Nothing contained in this section shall prevent the sale, transportation or shipment of wine by a wine wholesaler to any person outside the state when shipped under permit from the department.
§60-6A-33. Tasting permit; fees.
A. The director is authorized to issue a tasting permit to a licensed dispenser, retailer, resident manufacturer, nonresident manufacturer, wholesaler or winegrower or an agent of any such licensed entity to conduct tastings of wine, beer, cider or spirituous liquor on a licensed premises in accordance with rules promulgated by the director to protect public health and safety. A person serving wine, beer, cider or spirituous liquor at a tasting event permitted pursuant to this section shall have a server permit.
B. To apply for a tasting permit, the holder of a license described in Subsection A of this section shall submit to the department a tasting permit fee of one hundred dollars ($100) and such information as the director may require. A tasting permit shall be valid for one year from the date that it is issued and may be renewed upon application to the department and payment of the tasting permit fee of one hundred dollars ($100). A person permitted to hold tastings pursuant to this section shall notify the director no less than forty-eight hours before a tasting event of the person's intent to hold the event. Notification shall include the times and locations of, and the types of products to be included in, the tasting event. Upon receipt of notification, the director shall forward the notice to the appropriate staff member of the special investigations division [New Mexico state police division] of the department of public safety.
C. The director may impose the following administrative penalties on a person who holds a tasting permit for violations of the Liquor Control Act that occur during tastings conducted pursuant to the person's tasting permit:
(1) for a first violation, a fine no greater than one thousand dollars ($1,000) or a restriction on issuance of tasting permits to the person for a period of two months, or both;
(2) for a second violation within a year of the first violation, a fine no greater than two thousand dollars ($2,000) or a restriction on issuance of tasting permits to the person for a period of six months, or both; and
(3) for a third violation within a year of the first violation, a citation against the license held by the person, a fine no greater than five thousand dollars ($5,000) and a restriction on issuance of tasting permits to the person for a period of one year.
§60-6A-35. Small brewer and winegrower limited wholesaler’s license.
In any local option district, a small brewer or a winegrower that is licensed pursuant to the Domestic Winery, Small Brewery and Craft Distillery Act and that also holds a restaurant license or a dispenser's license may apply for and be issued a small brewer and winegrower limited wholesaler's license. A small brewer that holds a small brewer and winegrower limited wholesaler's license shall only sell, offer for sale or ship beer manufactured by the small brewer. A winegrower that holds a small brewer and winegrower limited wholesaler's license shall only sell, offer for sale or ship wine manufactured by the winegrower.
§60-6B-3. Wholesaler's lien.
The transfer, assignment, sale or lease of any license shall not be approved until the director is satisfied that all wholesalers who are creditors of the licensee have been paid or that satisfactory arrangements have been made between the licensee and the wholesaler for the payment of such debts. Such debts shall constitute a lien on the license, and the lien shall be deemed to have arisen on the date when the debt was originally incurred.
§60-6B-5. Expiration and renewal of licenses.
A. 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. Nonresident licenses and common carrier registrations shall be issued for a three-year period.
B. 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.
C. 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.
D. All licenses not provided for in Subsections B and C of this section, except nonresident licenses and common carrier registrations, shall expire on February 28 of each year. The annual renewal application and renewal fee are due on December 1 of each year.
E. Nonresident licenses and common carrier registrations shall expire on June 30 every three years. The renewal application and renewal fee are due on April 1 of each third year.
F. A license shall not be issued or renewed if the applicant or licensee is delinquent in payment of any taxes administered by the taxation and revenue department.
G. The director shall also determine whether there exists any other reason why a license should not be renewed.
H. If the director determines that the license should not be renewed, the director shall enter an order requiring the licensee, after notice, to show cause why the license should be renewed, and the director shall conduct a hearing on the matter. If, after the hearing, the director finds that no reason exists why the license should not be renewed, the director shall renew the license.
§60-7A-4. Sale, shipment and delivery unlawful.
A. It is unlawful for any person on his own behalf or as the agent of another person, except a licensed New Mexico wholesaler or manufacturer or the agent of either, to directly or indirectly sell or offer for sale for shipment into the state or ship into the state, except as provided in §60-7A-3 NMSA 1978, any alcoholic beverages unless such person or his principals has secured a nonresident license as provided in §60-7A-7 NMSA 1978.
B. It is a violation of the Liquor Control Act [60-3A-1 NMSA 1978] to deliver any alcoholic beverages transported into the state unless the delivery is made in accordance with §60-7A-3 NMSA 1978.
C. As used in this section, "into the state of New Mexico" means into the exterior boundaries of the state.
§60-7A-8. Sales to wholesalers.
Unless he has a wholesaler's license, no New Mexico manufacturer shall sell or offer for sale any alcoholic beverages manufactured within this state to any person in New Mexico other than wholesalers licensed under the provisions of the Liquor Control Act [60-3A-1 NMSA 1978].
§60-7A-9. Credit extension by wholesalers.
It is a violation of the Liquor Control Act [60-3A-1 NMSA 1978] for any wholesaler to extend credit or to agree to extend credit for the sale of alcoholic beverages to any retailer, dispenser, canopy licensee, restaurant licensee, club licensee or governmental licensee or its lessee for any period more than thirty calendar days from the date of the invoice required under the provisions of §60-8A-3 NMSA 1978. A violation of this section does not bar recovery by the wholesaler for the total indebtedness of the retailer, dispenser, canopy licensee, restaurant licensee, club licensee or governmental licensee or its lessee.
§60-7A-10. Wholesalers prohibited from owning retailer's or dispenser's establishment.
A. Except as provided in Subsection B of this section, it is a violation of the Liquor Control Act [60-3A-1 NMSA 1978] for a wholesaler, directly or indirectly or through an affiliate, to own, either in whole or in part, a business operated under a retailer's or dispenser's license.
B. This section shall not prevent a wholesaler from owning a dispenser's license directly or indirectly or through an affiliate and operating a business itself or through an affiliate or a lessee under a dispenser's license if:
(1) the wholesaler directly or indirectly operates or controls an interest in an establishment or complex maintaining a minimum of one hundred sleeping rooms and having a resident of New Mexico as a proprietor or manager and where, in consideration of payment, meals and lodging are regularly furnished to the general public; and
(2) the sale of alcoholic beverages under the dispenser's license is restricted to their consumption on the licensed premises.
§60-8A-1. Unfair competition; exclusive outlet; tied house; consignment sales.
It is unlawful for an importer, manufacturer, nonresident licensee or any kind or class of wholesaler, directly or indirectly, or through an affiliate:
A. to require by agreement or otherwise that a wholesaler, retailer, dispenser, canopy licensee, restaurant licensee, club licensee or governmental licensee or its lessee engaged in the sale of alcoholic beverages in the state purchase alcoholic beverages from that person to the exclusion in whole or in part of alcoholic beverages sold or offered for sale by other persons;
B. to induce through any of the following means, a wholesaler, retailer, dispenser, canopy licensee, restaurant licensee, club licensee or governmental licensee or its lessee engaged in the sale of any kind or class of alcoholic beverages to purchase alcoholic beverages from that person to the exclusion in whole or in part of alcoholic beverages sold or offered for sale by other persons:
(1) by acquiring or holding, after the expiration of an existing license, an interest in a license with respect to the premises of the wholesaler, retailer, dispenser, canopy licensee, restaurant licensee, club licensee or governmental licensee or its lessee;
(2) by acquiring an interest in real or personal property owned, occupied or used by a wholesaler, retailer, dispenser, restaurant licensee or club licensee in the conduct of the buying wholesaler's, retailer's, dispenser's, canopy licensee's, restaurant licensee's, club licensee's or governmental licensee's or its lessee's business, subject to exceptions that the director may prescribe, having due regard for the free flow of commerce, the purposes of this subsection and established trade customs not contrary to the public interest;
(3) by furnishing, giving, renting, lending or selling to a wholesaler, retailer, dispenser, canopy licensee, restaurant licensee, club licensee or governmental licensee or its lessee equipment, fixtures, signs, supplies, money, services or other thing of value, subject to exceptions that the director may by regulation prescribe, having due regard for public health and welfare, the quantity and value of the articles involved and established trade customs not contrary to the public interest and the purposes of this subsection;
(4) by paying or crediting the wholesaler, retailer, dispenser, canopy licensee, restaurant licensee, club licensee or governmental licensee or its lessee for advertising, display or distribution services;
(5) by requiring a wholesaler, retailer, dispenser, canopy licensee, restaurant licensee, club licensee or governmental licensee or its lessee to take and dispose of a certain quota or combination of alcoholic beverages; or
(6) by commercial bribery by offering or giving a bonus, premium or compensation to an officer, employee, agent or representative of a wholesaler, retailer, dispenser, canopy licensee, restaurant licensee, club licensee or governmental licensee or its lessee; or
C. to sell, offer for sale or contract to sell to a retailer, dispenser, canopy licensee, restaurant licensee, club licensee or governmental licensee or its lessee alcoholic beverages of any kind or class on consignment or under a conditional sale or on a basis other than a bona fide sale; provided that this subsection shall not apply to transactions involving solely the bona fide return of alcoholic beverages for ordinary and usual commercial reasons arising after the alcoholic beverages have been sold, including a return of alcoholic beverages that are at or near spoilage or expiration date or that were damaged by the wholesaler, but not including a return of alcoholic beverages that were damaged by any other licensee or any other licensee's employees or customers.
§60-8A-2. Territorial designation for distribution of beer; agreement.
Every brewer, whether located within or without New Mexico, may designate territorial limits in the state within which the brand or brands of beer manufactured by the manufacturer may be sold by wholesalers of beer to licensees. A wholesaler of beer may enter into written agreement with the manufacturer of the brand of beer to be sold by the wholesaler which sets forth the territorial limits within which the wholesaler may distribute the beer. A copy of the agreement and any amendments shall be filed with the department by the wholesaler.
§60-8A-3. Invoices.
Whenever a New Mexico wholesaler delivers any item of alcoholic beverages to a New Mexico retailer, dispenser, canopy licensee, restaurant licensee, club licensee or governmental licensee or its lessee, the delivery shall be accompanied by an invoice which accurately and clearly shows the date of the sale and the quantity of each item of merchandise delivered. The retailer, dispenser, canopy licensee, restaurant licensee, club licensee or governmental licensee or its lessee receiving the alcoholic beverages shall retain the invoice for a period of two years. The invoices shall be open for inspection and examination by any employee of the department or the taxation and revenue department during all usual business hours.
§60-8A-4. Returns.
A. The return or repossession of any stock of alcoholic beverages to or by any licensed New Mexico wholesaler shall not be construed as a sale within the meaning of any provision of the Liquor Control Act [60-3A-1 NMSA 1978].
B. The provisions of Subsection A of this section shall apply in case of the return or repossession of any alcoholic beverages to or by a nonresident licensee by or from any New Mexico wholesaler.
§60-8A-6. Primary American source of supply.
For the purpose of tax revenue control, no holder of a nonresident license or resident broker license may solicit, accept or fill an order for distilled spirits or wine from a holder of any type of wholesaler's license unless the nonresident licensee or resident broker is the primary American source of supply for the brand of distilled spirits or wine that is ordered. As used in this section, "primary American source of supply" means the distiller, the producer, the owner of the commodity at the time it becomes a marketable product, the bottler or the exclusive agent of any of those. To be the "primary American source of supply," the nonresident licensee or resident broker must be the first source, that is, the manufacturer or the source closest to the manufacturer, in the channel of commerce from whom the product can be secured by American wholesalers.
§60-8A-7. Franchises; definitions.
As used in §60-8A-7 through 60-8A-11 NMSA 1978:
A. "franchise" means a contract or agreement, either expressed or implied, whether written or oral, between a supplier and wholesaler, wherein:(1) a commercial relationship of definite duration or continuing indefinite duration is involved; and
(2) the wholesaler is granted the right to buy and to offer, sell and distribute within this state or any designated area thereof such of the supplier's brand of packaged alcoholic beverages as may be agreed upon;
B. "good cause":
(1) includes failure by the wholesaler to substantially comply with the essential and reasonable provisions of a contract, agreement or understanding with a supplier;
(2) includes use of bad faith on the part of the wholesaler in carrying out the terms of the franchise; and
(3) does not include failure or refusal on the part of the wholesaler to engage in any trade practice, conduct or activity that may result in a violation of any federal law or regulation or any law or regulation of this state;
C. "supplier" means a person, partnership, corporation or other form of business enterprise engaged in business as a manufacturer, importer, broker, agent or its successors or assigns that distributes any or all of its brands of alcoholic beverages through licensed wholesalers in this state. "Supplier" does not include successors or assigns for spirituous liquors or wines;
D. "termination" includes any substantial alteration or modification of the provisions of the franchise; and
E. "good faith" means honesty in fact in the conduct or transaction concerned and the observance of reasonable commercial standards of fair dealing in the trade as evidenced by all surrounding circumstances.
§60-8A-8. Franchises; violations.
A. The purpose of the provisions of §60-8A-7 through 60-8A-11 NMSA 1978 is to provide an equal bargaining position between the parties and to protect the health, safety and welfare of the citizens by ensuring that there is an orderly and fair distribution of alcoholic beverages in the state.
B. It is a violation of §60-8A-7 through 60-8A-11 NMSA 1978 for the supplier, directly or through any officer, agent or employee, to fail to act in good faith in performing or complying with any terms, provisions or conditions of the franchise, or in terminating, canceling or not renewing a franchise with a wholesaler, unless such termination, cancellation or failure to renew is done in good faith and for good cause. Good cause shall not include supplier mergers or acquisitions or consolidation of brands with one wholesaler.
C. If more than one franchise for the same brand or brands of alcoholic beverages is originally granted to different wholesalers in this state, it is a violation of §60-8A-7 through 60-8A-11 NMSA 1978 for any supplier to discriminate in any of the terms, provisions and conditions of the franchise between the wholesalers. It is not the purpose of this section to allow suppliers to unilaterally and without good cause or in violation of the contract change the terms of an existing franchise or exclusive distribution agreement by authorizing the transfer of brands to another wholesaler in violation of this act [60-8A-7 to 60-8A-11 NMSA 1978].
§60-8A-9. Franchises; recovery of damages; injunction; remedies independent.
A. Any wholesaler may bring an action against a supplier for violation of §60-8A-7 through 60-8A-11 NMSA 1978 in any court of competent jurisdiction, and may recover damages, together with the costs of the action, including reasonable attorneys' fees.
B. Any wholesaler may bring an action against a supplier in any court of competent jurisdiction for injunctive relief against termination, cancellation or failure to renew a franchise in violation of the provisions of §60-8A-7 through 60-8A-11 NMSA 1978.
C. The remedies provided in this section are independent of and supplemental to any other remedy available to the wholesaler in law or equity.
D. It is the intent of the legislature that the Liquor Control Act [60-3A-1 NMSA 1978] control contractual relations between suppliers and wholesalers in the state. Any contract provision which has the effect of circumventing the provisions of §60-8A-7 through 60-8A-11 NMSA 1978, whether a "choice of law" provision, or other provision, shall be deemed null and void and not applicable to franchises between suppliers and wholesalers in the state.
E. In any action brought by a wholesaler against a supplier under the provisions of §60-8A-7 through 60-8A-11 NMSA 1978, if it is determined that the supplier terminated a franchise without good cause or not in good faith, such supplier shall be responsible to any wholesaler so aggrieved in damages in an amount not less than three times the annual gross profits derived by such wholesaler from the sale of any and all brands under such franchise.
§60-8A-10. Franchises; actions; defense.
In any action brought by a wholesaler against a supplier for termination, cancellation or failure to renew a franchise in violation of §60-8A-7 through 60-8A-11NMSA 1978, it is a complete defense for the supplier to prove that the termination, cancellation or failure to renew was done in good faith and for good cause. It shall not be a defense to any action brought by a wholesaler against a supplier under the provisions of §60-8A-7 through 60-8A-11 NMSA 1978 for the supplier to claim that the laws of another state control over those provisions or in any way make the cited provisions not applicable.
§60-8A-11. Franchises; time limit for bringing of action.
Any action brought pursuant to Sections 54 through 58 [60-8A-7 to 60-8A-11 NMSA 1978] of the Liquor Control Act shall be forever barred unless commenced within one year after the cause of action has accrued.
§60-8A-12. Filing of schedules required.
A. No brand of spirituous liquors shall be sold to or purchased by a wholesaler, irrespective of the place of sale or delivery, unless a price and discount schedule is filed with the director and is then in effect.
B. Such schedule shall be filed by the owner of the brand who is the holder of a nonresident license issued by the department.
§60-8A-13. Selling to wholesalers at prices different than shown in schedule.
A brand of spirituous liquors shall not be sold to wholesalers except at the price and discounts shown on the schedule unless prior written permission of the director is granted for reasons not inconsistent with the purposes of §60-8A-12 through §60-8A-19 NMSA 1978.
§60-8A-14. Form of schedule.
The schedule of prices and discounts shall be in writing, duly verified and filed in the number of copies, form and at such time as required by the director. It shall contain, with respect to each item, the exact brand or trade name, capacity of package, nature of contents and age and proof where stated on the label; the number of bottles contained in each case; the bottle and case price to wholesalers, which shall be individual for each item; the discounts for quantity, if any; and the discounts for time of payment, if any.
§60-8A-15. Filing of affirmation.
The owner of a brand of spirituous liquors shall file as part of the schedule a verified affirmation that the price to New Mexico wholesalers is no greater than the lowest price at which the item of spirituous liquors is sold by the brand owner or any related person to any wholesaler anywhere in any other state of the United States or in the District of Columbia, or to any state or state agency which owns and operates retail liquor stores. As used in this section, "related person" means any person:
A. in any business in which the brand owner has an interest, direct or indirect, by stock or other security ownership, as lender or lienor or by interlocking director or officer;
B. in the exclusive, principal or substantial business of selling a brand of spirituous liquors purchased from the brand owner; or
C. who has an exclusive franchise or contract to sell the brand of spirituous liquors.
§60-8A-16. Failure to file; schedule deemed invalid.
If an affirmation with respect to any item of spirituous liquors is not filed within the prescribed time, any schedule for which the affirmation is required shall be deemed invalid with respect to that item of spirituous liquors, and the item shall not be sold to or purchased by any wholesaler during the period covered by the schedule.
§60-8A-17. Determination of lowest price.
In determining the lowest price for which any item of spirituous liquors was sold in any other state or in the District of Columbia, or to any state or state agency which owns and operates retail liquor stores, appropriate reductions shall be made to reflect all discounts in excess of those to be in effect under the schedule, and all rebates, free goods, allowances and other inducements of any kind whatsoever offered or given to any such wholesaler, state or state agency or retailer, as the case may be, purchasing the item in the other state or in the District of Columbia. Nothing contained in §60-8A-12 through 60-8A-19 NMSA 1978 shall prevent differentials in price which make only due allowance for differences in state taxes and fees and in the actual cost of delivery. As used in this section, "state taxes and fees" means the excise taxes imposed or the fees required by any state or the District of Columbia upon, or based upon, the liter of spirituous liquors.