The new liquor law in New Mexico, which went into effect on July 1, 2021, brings about some significant changes regarding the validity of identification (ID) for the purchase and consumption of alcoholic beverages. As an expert sommelier and brewer, I would like to provide you with a detailed explanation of these changes.
Previously, an ID was considered valid only if it was not expired. However, under the revised law, an ID is now considered valid even if it has expired. This means that individuals can use their expired IDs for the purposes of purchasing and consuming alcoholic beverages. This change aims to provide more flexibility and convenience for individuals who may not have an up-to-date ID but are of legal drinking age.
It is important to note that this change applies specifically to the Liquor Control Act in New Mexico. Other laws and regulations may still require a valid, non-expired ID for various purposes, such as travel or identification verification in other industries.
Another significant change brought about by the revised law pertains to the requirement of ID verification for individuals who appear to be older than 35 years of age. Previously, establishments selling alcoholic beverages were required to ask for ID from anyone who appeared to be under the age of 40. However, under the new law, establishments are now only required to ask for ID if the person clearly looks younger than 35 years of age. This change aims to reduce the burden on individuals who are clearly of legal drinking age and may have previously been inconvenienced by unnecessary ID checks.
It is worth noting that these changes do not apply to deliveries of alcoholic beverages. In such cases, establishments or individuals delivering alcoholic beverages are still required to verify the age and identity of the recipient, regardless of their appearance or the expiration date of their ID.
As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have witnessed the challenges and inconveniences that individuals may face when their IDs expire but they are still of legal drinking age. The new law in New Mexico addresses this issue by recognizing the validity of expired IDs for the purchase and consumption of alcoholic beverages. This change not only provides more convenience for individuals but also aligns with the evolving norms and practices in other industries where expired IDs may still be accepted for certain purposes.
The new liquor law in New Mexico, effective from July 1, 2021, allows for the use of expired IDs for the purchase and consumption of alcoholic beverages under the Liquor Control Act. Additionally, establishments are no longer required to ask for ID if a person clearly looks older than 35 years of age, reducing unnecessary ID checks. However, it is important to note that these changes do not apply to deliveries of alcoholic beverages, where ID verification is still required.