Gas station operator sues New Mexico over new liquor law

GALLUP, N.M. (AP) — A company that runs dozens of convenience stores and gas stations in New Mexico is suing the state over new liquor laws that took effect last week.

Western Refining Retail claims a new provision singles out McKinley County by not letting gas stations there sell liquor.

The new rule states any dispenser or retailer licensee who sells gasoline in a county with a population between 56,000 and 57,000 people cannot sell alcohol other than beer.

McKinley is the only county that falls under that population threshold.

Democratic Sen. George Munoz said alcoholism is a problem in the county and that’s why he pushed for the language.