Liquor Licenses

Liquor License requirements can vary widely between areas within the state and even zoning districts. Licenses can be revoked, transferred, etc. All of that variety can be confusing.

I’ll help you determine the most effective license for your New Mexico business, as well as facilitate the process of locating and/or applying for the right license, and help ensure issuance to your business without additional burden to you.

I have helped numerous owners sell or lease their liquor licenses. Finding a qualified buyer or lessee takes an expert. Call me and lets talk about your needs and what is best for you.

Real Estate

CBRE is a global leader in commercial real estate. As part of CBRE’s retail department, I can guide you efficiently through the location, analysis, negotiation and possession of the right space for your business. My specialized focus in real estate includes restaurants, bars, nightclubs, breweries, distillers, wineries, and convenience stores.

I pair my expertise with the liquor industry with knowledge of real estate, zoning ordinances, land restrictions, and market trends to ensure you have the right location for the right business.

Consulting

Sometimes you don’t need a broker to negotiate anything. For example, if you already own a restaurant or a brewery and want a new, non-transferable license, I can facilitate the process through the local, state and federal level. If you need a liquor license for special events or other instances, I can do that for you too.

Have a business plan and you’re not sure if you’ve got a handle on your real estate and licensing? I can let you know if your business plan is going to work and help you implement changes that will make your business hit your target.

New Mexico

I love how New Mexico embraces the new age without changing too much of our history. We have these pockets throughout New Mexico with really great vibes and amazing culture. I love New Mexico and have always called it home.

That’s why I work in conjunction with other professionals at the legislature to help make laws that move us into a future while protecting people’s investments. I’m also a member of the NM Restaurant Association, the NM Brewer’s Guild, the National Association of Compliance Professionals, and the Commercial Association of Realtors. New Mexico’s economy matters to me. I love helping people invest in our state.

Things You Didn't Know

1 A liquor license isn’t real property and there’s not anything else you can compare it to. It can be taken away. I can give you the information to help you side step future issues with your license.

2 If you’re paying a lot for a license, you had better make sure it’s yours, i.e free and clear with no encumbrances. I’ll help take as many steps possible to help ensure you’re getting what you bought without unknown issues

3 When applying for a non-transferrable liquor license, you have to pay a non refundable fee. Don’t you want to know that you’re not wasting your money? You can also waste several months + without using a New Mexico liquor license expert. I can save you money by opening faster, and without as much stress.

Frequently Asked Questions

PRIVILEGE VS. PERSONAL PROPERTY

Although liquor licenses are considered a privilege and not property, they are nonetheless encumbered, transferred, sold and leased as if they were personal property.

Why are some licenses so expensive?

While originally the number of liquor licenses available in a particular area was determined by whether that area’s local option district (“LOD”) initially allowed alcohol in its LOD and the if alcohol was allowed, the number of licenses was restricted to one license per 2,000 people. In the past three decades, that formula has been modified to allow:

restricted over quota transfers of full service licenses into areas where there was significant demand (i.e. Albuquerque, Farmington, Santa Fe, etc); and
the issuance of new restricted restaurant (beer and wine) licenses.

While these modifications to the population based license quota solved some of the problems for establishments which sell primarily food or liquor by the drink, the prices of by the drink licenses or licenses which retain their package privileges is driven by supply and demand as there are currently no new licenses of this type being issued.

What is my license worth?

TYPES OF LICENSES

There are many types of liquor licenses applicable to New Mexico. Some of those types are:

Dispenser Type-New Mexico is a quota state which means there is a limited number of Dispenser type licenses. You must locate an existing license and purchase or lease. Examples of business needing this type of license include but are not limited to, bars, nightclubs, restaurants wanting full spirits, liquor stores, grocery stores, convenience stores, etc.

Non-Dispenser Type-New licenses which can be applied for at the State level, which are restricted and have varying levels of qualifications to obtain and renew. Examples of this type ofÂ license would Restaurant licenses (beer and wine only), Small Brewers, Craft Distillers, Winegrowers, Wholesalers, etc.

Start your project today!

A proven record of success

Since 2009, New Mexico Liquor Licenses, LLC, has been serving the entire state of New Mexico, securing licenses for:

Start-ups
Convenience stores
Liquor stores
Restaurants
Breweries
Wineries
Distilleries
National and regional chains

Kyla will help you determine the most effective type of liquor license for your needs as well as facilitating the process of locating and applying for the license.

Since 2009, New Mexico Liquor Licenses, LLC, has been serving the entire state of New Mexico, securing licenses for:

Start-ups
Convenience stores
Liquor stores
Restaurants
Breweries
Wineries
Distilleries
National and regional chains

Kyla will help you determine the most effective type of liquor license for your needs as well as facilitating the process of locating and applying for the license.