Liquor License FeedNew Mexico liquor license types, in plain words
What each ABC license or permit allows, in the statute's own words, with a note on who usually holds it. Every filing on the New Mexico page is labeled this way.
Restaurant A · Inter-Local Dispenser · Dispenser · Restaurant B · Club · Retailer · Small Brewer · Winegrower · Craft Distiller
Restaurant, beer and wine (Restaurant A)
Restaurant A, for beer and wine only
A full-service restaurant pouring beer and wine; food has to be most of its sales.
Full liquor license moved from another town (Inter-Local Dispenser)
Dispenser licenses are bought and sold, transferred to new locations, or leased, with the prior approval of the division.
A dispenser license bought in one town or county and moved to a new place in another.
Full liquor license (Dispenser)
New Mexico is a quota state and has a limited number of Dispenser-type licenses.
A bar, a restaurant with a bar, or a package store; the state has issued all it may, so each one is bought from a holder.
Restaurant, beer, wine and spirits (Restaurant B)
Restaurant B, includes beer, wine and any spirit
A full-service restaurant pouring cocktails too; food has to be most of its sales.
Private club (Club)
Non-Dispenser: Small Brewer, Winegrower, Craft Brewer, Bottler, Wholesaler, Manufacturer, Governmental, Public Service, and Clubs
A members' bar at a lodge, veterans post or country club.
Package liquor store (Retailer)
Retailer
A liquor store or grocery selling sealed spirits, beer and wine to go.
Brewery (Small Brewer)
Non-Dispenser: Small Brewer, Winegrower, Craft Brewer, Bottler, Wholesaler, Manufacturer, Governmental, Public Service, and Clubs
A brewery or brewpub, usually with a taproom.
Winery (Winegrower)
Non-Dispenser: Small Brewer, Winegrower, Craft Brewer, Bottler, Wholesaler, Manufacturer, Governmental, Public Service, and Clubs
A New Mexico winery or cidery, usually with a tasting room.
Distillery (Craft Distiller)
Craft Distiller
A small distillery, usually with a tasting room.
Source: https://www.rld.nm.gov/abc/how-do-i/apply-for/liquor-license/, https://www.rld.nm.gov/abc/frequently-asked-questions/for-potential-licenses/, https://nmrldlpi.my.site.com/abc/s/public-search, checked 2026-11-04.
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