Bernalillo County, NM Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)
Key Facts
- Rule
- No alcohol in county parks w/o permit
- Citation
- Bernalillo County Code § 58-12(b)(8)
- Exception
- Written agreement or state dispenser permit
- Penalty
- Up to $300 fine, 90 days jail
- Scope
- Unincorporated county parks only, not Albuquerque
Summary
Bernalillo County bans possessing, drinking, or selling alcohol in any county park or recreation facility unless covered by a written agreement or a state dispenser's permit.
No person shall possess, consume or sell any alcoholic beverage in any park and recreation facility, except as expressly authorized under the terms of a lease, concession, permit or other written agreement with Bernalillo County, and, if necessary, a special dispenser's permit or public celebration permit issued by the State of New Mexico, Regulation and Licensing Department, Alcohol and Gaming Division.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 92).
Full Breakdown
Bernalillo County Code § 58-12(b)(8) prohibits possessing, consuming, or selling alcoholic beverages in any county park and recreation facility, unless the activity is expressly authorized under a lease, concession, permit, or other written agreement with the county, and, when necessary, a special dispenser's permit or public celebration permit from the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department's Alcohol and Gaming Division. The rule applies only to parks and recreation facilities managed by the county's Parks and Recreation Department in unincorporated Bernalillo County (Sec. 58-2): it does not reach Albuquerque's city parks, which fall under Albuquerque's own municipal code. Violations carry the Code's general penalty.
Violations & Fines
Violating any Chapter 58 park rule, including the alcohol prohibition, is punishable under Sec. 1-6's general penalty: a fine up to $300, up to 90 days imprisonment, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drink alcohol at a Bernalillo County park?
Does this rule apply to Albuquerque parks?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bernalillo County
Compare Bernalillo County to another location·View the New Mexico public conduct overview
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