2021 Capitol Report, February 24

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New Mexico restaurants and bars are expected to get a boost from a tax-bill that’s advancing at the Roundhouse.

Tom Trowbridge reports from Santa Fe:

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After hours of debate Tuesday, the New Mexico House of Representatives approved a bill intended to assist the hard-hit restaurant and hospitality industry by allowing alcohol delivery and opening new revenue streams.

The measure provides a tax deduction worth 200-thousand dollars over a four year period to New Mexico liquor license holders while waiving future license fees for current holders and immediate relatives who may inherit licenses. It also imposes a new two-percent excise tax on individual drink sales.

Albuquerque Democrat Moe Maestas is the lead sponsor of House Bill 255:

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During debate on the measure, Roswell Representative Phelps Anderson questioned Maestas:

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The bill passed on a 41-27 vote and now moves on to the State Senate.

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