SENATE MEMORIAL 77

51st legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2013

INTRODUCED BY

Phil A. Griego

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE REGULATION AND LICENSING DEPARTMENT TO CONVENE A TASK FORCE TO ASSESS AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR UPDATING THE LIQUOR CONTROL ACT.

     WHEREAS, over three decades have passed since the Liquor Control Act underwent a major review and reformation; and

     WHEREAS, the public's needs have changed over the past three decades with the advent of the electronic age, modernized business practices and changes in social mores, and an increase in alcohol awareness; and

     WHEREAS, alcoholism and driving under the influence of alcohol continue to threaten the state's health, safety, welfare and morals; and

     WHEREAS, promoting economic development while still ensuring the public's health, safety, welfare and morals is of the utmost importance for the legislature; and

     WHEREAS, the alcohol and gaming division of the regulation and licensing department is responsible for administering the laws related to the issuance, sale and transfer of new liquor licenses and alcohol server permits in the state; and

     WHEREAS, the special investigations division of the department of public safety is currently responsible for enforcing the complex laws related to the sale and service of alcohol in the state; and

     WHEREAS, law enforcement is intimately aware of the issues related to the state's high rate of convictions for driving under the influence;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the regulation and licensing department be requested to convene a task force to undertake a comprehensive review of the Liquor Control Act and make recommendations to the legislature regarding amendments to update the Liquor Control Act to better meet the needs of the public; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force include representatives from industries covered by the Liquor Control Act, including but not limited to hospitality, tourism, restaurants, retailers, petroleum retailers, grocers, brewers and distillers, wineries and wholesalers; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force include representatives from any other groups that may have an interest in amending the Liquor Control Act, including the DWI resource center, mothers against drunk driving, the New Mexico municipal league and the New Mexico association of counties, as well as representatives from law enforcement, the special investigations division of the department of public safety, the alcohol and gaming division of the regulation and licensing department and interested citizens; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force be geographically diverse to ensure that voices are heard from around the state; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force be requested to report its findings and recommendations to the appropriate legislative interim committees by November 1, 2014; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the superintendent of regulation and licensing, for distribution to members of the task force, and to the co-chairs of the New Mexico legislative council.

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