What are the legal consequences of serving underage individuals?

Underage drinking is illegal in New Mexico, and those who serve alcohol to minors can face legal consequences. Those who knowingly provide alcohol to someone under the age of 21 can be charged with a Class 2 misdemeanor which carries a fine of up to $500 and up to 90 days in jail. Additionally, businesses found to be liable for serving underage individuals can face hefty fines and even lose their liquor license. Businesses in New Mexico are required to check IDs and only accept government-issued IDs as proof of age. If an employee serves alcohol to a minor, the employer can be held liable regardless of whether the employee was aware of the minor’s age. Under New Mexico law, those who provide alcohol to minors can also be held liable for any injuries or damages caused by the minor. To avoid legal liability, businesses should ensure that all servers are properly trained and that all employees follow the age requirements when serving alcohol. Businesses should also have clear policies in place prohibiting the serving of alcohol to minors and regularly check IDs to ensure they are in compliance with the state’s laws. Furthermore, businesses should always have an emergency contact available in case of an issue related to underage drinking.

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What are the legal consequences of serving underage individuals?

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