New Mexico Alcohol Server Education Course & Server Permit

New Mexico law requires all persons who sell, serve, or deliver alcoholic beverages — including bartenders, wait staff, managers, grocery-store clerks, convenience-store staff, and others — to complete a state-approved Alcohol Server Education Course and obtain a server permit.

Under N.M. Stat. § 60-6E-7, the server permit is valid for 3 years from the date of issuance. Employers must maintain a copy or record of each server’s permit on-site for inspection.

Steps to Be Compliant in New Mexico:

1. Enroll in a state-approved course:
   Choose a training provider certified by the New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department (ABC Division). After completion, the provider forwards your information to the state licensing division.
2. Obtain your server permit:
   After passing the program and exam, you receive the official server permit. Serving without a valid permit may expose you or your employer to disciplinary action.
3. Ensure your permit is valid and on-file:
   Employers must keep a list of all servers with permit numbers, issue dates, and expiration dates, available for inspection.
4. Renew training and permit every 3 years:
   The server permit is valid for three years; renew by retaking an approved course before expiration.

Program Benefits:

1. Mandatory Compliance & License Protection
Completing the course and holding a valid server permit is required by law in New Mexico. Non-compliance can jeopardize your ability to work and expose your employer to penalties.

2. Reduced Risk of Violations and Liability
Training addresses New Mexico liquor laws, ID verification, intoxication recognition, and refusal skills — helping prevent illegal sales and protect the business’s license.

3. Standardized Training Across Staff
All employees receive consistent instruction aligned with state regulation, supporting safer operations and fewer service mistakes.

4. Defined 3-Year Certification Cycle
A three-year permit cycle creates a predictable training schedule and simplifies compliance tracking.

5. Employer Compliance & Audit Readiness
Employers maintaining server permit records demonstrate proactive compliance — improving readiness for inspections, audits or licensing renewals.