City council asks judge asked to affirm ban on small liquor bottles

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The Santa Fe City Council is asking a judge to uphold its decision to ban the sale of small bottles of liquor.

The Santa Fe New Mexican reports that the city government also wants District Judge Sarah Singleton of Santa Fe to dismiss claims filed by liquor businesses challenging the law.

The council voted in April to ban the sale of liquor in bottles of 8 ounces or less. In court documents, the city says the law, which will take effect Oct. 8., is meant to reduce litter.

Liquor stores say it will hurt business and argue that the state government has authority over alcohol sales.

The city filed for a judgment in May in hopes of preventing a lawsuit by seven businesses.