Section 60-7B-10 - Minors in licensed premises; regulations.

60-7B-10. Minors in licensed premises; regulations.

A.     Any person licensed pursuant to the provisions of the Liquor Control Act [60-3A-1 NMSA 1978] or any employee, agent or lessee of that person who permits a minor to enter and remain in any area of a licensed premises that is prohibited to the use of minors is guilty of a violation of the Liquor Control Act.   

B.     A minor shall not enter or attempt to enter any area of a licensed premises that is posted or otherwise identified as being prohibited to the use of minors, except as authorized by regulation or as necessitated by an emergency.  A person who violates the provisions of this subsection is guilty of a petty misdemeanor and shall be punished pursuant to the provisions of Section 31-19-1 NMSA 1978.   

C.     The director of the alcohol and gaming division of the regulation and licensing department shall adopt regulations classifying the types of licensed premises or areas of licensed premises where minors may be present. The director shall require that signs issued by the division be posted by licensees to inform the public, including minors, of the areas in licensed premises that are open to minors.  The regulations may allow minors in those areas of licensed premises where:   

(1)     the consumption of alcoholic beverages is the primary activity, when a minor is accompanied by a parent, adult spouse or legal guardian; or   

(2)     there is no consumption of alcoholic beverages.