Mark M. Rhodes

  
Liquor licenses in New Mexico are privileges controlled by the New Mexico Liquor License Control Act ("Law") and interpreted by
Rule and Regulations offering guidance, interpretation, or clarification of this Law ("Rules").

In order to protect the health, safety, and welfare of New Mexico residents and its visitors, the Law is enforced by the
Special Investigations Division of the Department of Public Safety ("DPS"). Ultimately, the administration of New Mexico Liquor
Licenses is overseen by the New Mexico Alcoholic Beverage Control Division ("ABC"), a division of New Mexico Regulation and Licensing.

In order to buy a liquor license, a prospective buyer must locate a license for sale; enter into a contract with an owner of a New Mexico liquor license and then apply to be approval by ABC for the transfer of ownership and oftentimes location of the liquor license. As there are numerous issues which arise in the purchase, sale, or lease of a New Mexico liquor license, prospective sellers, buyers, and lessees of liquor licenses have used our firm for more than 30 years to assist them through this complex and specialized area of law.
   
Our firm has successfully navigated the New Mexico and, where necessary, federal regulatory agency(s) for each type of liquor license that is allowed in this State.  Our trial experience allows use to watch over your business not only when you became licensed but also if you receive any citations for violations of the New Mexico Liquor Control Act.
  
New Mexico Liquor Licenses
This type of license allows you to sell package or “to go” liquor as well a liquor by the drink provided it stays in its existing local option district.  Therefore, if you are a large retailer/convenience store/liquor store, this is the license you will be looking for.  
Dispenser's License
"I have had the honor of working with Mr. Mark Rhodes for the past eighteen plus years and Mr. Rhodes has successfully assisted with both my Corporate and my personal LLC legal needs.

Mr. Rhodes extensive knowledge of NM liquor laws, prompt contract review, ability to draft contracts and negotiate with "other" parties has been a tremendous advantage for my company. Mr. Rhodes is very well respected in his industry and this allows for prompt reasonable negotiations/resolutions." -Pic Quik Stores, Inc. 
This license started out as a dispenser license but after being transferred out of its original Local Option District, it forfeited its ability to sell to go package liquor.  It can still sell all other liquor provided the sale is by the drink.  If you are a restaurant, nightclub, bowling alley, private sports venue who wants full liquor service, this is the license you may desire.
Interlocal Dispenser License 
​​  “Having Mr. Rhodes on our side ensured we could close our deal and start our journey as business owners which was invaluable.  We have continued to work with Mr. Rhodes and will continue to refer to him as the best in his field.” -  Library Bar and Grill​
This area can be fully edited and gives you the opportunity to introduce yourself,   
This license is a conditional license.  If the conditions are satisfied, a restaurant license only allows for the sale of beer and wine when accompanied by the service of food.  The conditions include:

You have a valid food service permit (ie you are a restaurant);
Not less than 60% of your revenue comes from food sales;
 This license works for either smaller local operations or national chains which do not feel the need to spend a great deal for a full service license.
  
Restaurant License
“We are a multi-unit fast-casual Mexican food restaurant concept based in Texas.  Several years ago, we expanded into New Mexico.  Due to his many years of experience with New Mexico liquor laws, Mark Rhodes was recommended to us to assist with the liquor license approval application and renewal process.  He has been instrumental in keeping us compliant and up to date each year. I recommend his services to any restaurant needing approval for a NM liquor license.”  Wanda Jennings, Executive Assistant, Rosa’s Café & Tortilla Factory
This is a license issued solely to a municipality, county, state museum, state university or qualifying state fair.  While we have assisted a qualifying entity in obtaining these licenses, generally food service businesses lease these licenses and we guide them through the process.
Governmental License
While the State regulates many other types of licenses including but not limited to a Public Service License (if you want to license your airline or train); there is currently a huge interest in small brewers or craft distillers licenses and wine grower’s licenses (which will require prior permitting by the federal government as well as the State of New Mexico)
Small Brewers License
"We are very pleased with the excellent legal work Mark Rhodes has provided to the Canteen Brewhouse over the past several years. He is the best liquor license attorney in New Mexico." - Greg Atkin, Owner, Canteen Brewhouse

Federal Distillery & Winery Permits​

The Federal Distiller and Winery Permit process can be confusing and lengthy.  Once the Federal Permit is obtained, a State Permit is also required to operate a Distillery and/or winery.  There are several parts and pieces to this process and our office handles the complete process from start to finish.