LIQUOR LICENSE TRANSFER CRITERIA

HB 478 revises New Mexico's rules for transferring certain liquor licenses, specifically allowing dispenser's and retailer's licenses issued before July 1, 1981, to move between locations across the state (with exceptions for some class B counties and municipalities that have already banned transfers). The bill limits transfers to no more than ten licenses per local option district annually and requires that transferred licenses count toward future license caps in that district. It also establishes a community veto process: if 5% of registered voters petition for an election, a vote can block statewide transfers for two years if rejected. This directly affects businesses seeking to relocate licenses and local governments that can regulate license density through voter referendums.