Effective July 1, 2010 the New Mexico Concealed Handgun Carry Act of 2003 has been amended regarding the carrying of concealed handguns in certain liquor establishments:

"Unlawful carrying of a firearm in an establishment licensed to dispense alcoholic beverages consists of carrying a loaded or unloaded firearm on any premises licensed by the regulation and licensing department for the dispensing of alcoholic beverages except:

• by a person carrying a concealed handgun who is in possession of a valid concealed handgun license for that gun pursuant to the Concealed Handgun Carry Act on the premises of:
  • a licensed establishment that does not sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises;
     

  • a restaurant licensed to sell only beer and wine that derives no less than sixty percent of its annual gross receipts from the sale of food for consumption on the premises, unless the restaurant has a sign posted, in a conspicuous location at each public entrance, prohibiting the carrying of firearms, or the person is verbally instructed by the owner or manager that the carrying of a firearm is not permitted in the restaurant;"

The above text is only an excerpt from the Concealed Handgun Carry Act of 2003. Please visit the Department of Public Safety website for full statute text.

In conjunction with this change, the administrative policies for Concealed Carry holders in the State of New Mexico have also been amended:

"Carrying while impaired Pursuant to NMSA 1978 Section 30-7-4, no person shall carry a concealed handgun while impaired by the use of alcohol, controlled substances, or over-the-counter or prescribed medications."