Las Cruces approves transfer of 13 Pic Quik locations to Circle K

LAS CRUCES – The Las Cruces City Council approved the transfer of at least 13 Pic Quik branches to the Circle K chain, which would complete the purchase of almost all the stores of the traditional liquor store in southern New Mexico.

Oscar Andrade, owner of Pic Quik indicated that the Doña Ana County has yet to authorize the transfer of four more licenses, while the transfer of two branches in the city of Deming and one more in Hatch are still pending.

According to New Mexico statutes, an application for transfer of retail liquor license ownership must be accompanied by a resolution of the City Council approving and consenting to the license following a public hearing.

Circle K Stores, Inc. applied to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division of the State of New Mexico’s Alcoholic Beverage Regulation and Licensing Department (ABC) for a transfer of retail liquor permit ownership with off-premises consumption-only for package sales.

The ABC granted a first preliminary approval on December 2, 2021, compelling the City Council to hold a public hearing to determine the status of such establishments. The City Attorney’s Office and the parties involved requested an extension of the hearing date on December 10, 2021.

ABC approved the request, due to vacation and publication deadlines. It was during the regular City Council meeting held on January 18, 2022, to address the concession issue, which was authorized.

Andrade stressed that not all of the relinquished stores in Las Cruces will be converted to Circle K, as he will retain ownership of the branch located at 3916 W Picacho Ave. Pic Quik signage is still visible at most of the divested locations.

Pic Quik Stores, Inc. was founded in 1958. The company’s line of business included retail sales of a range of canned foods and dry goods and was estimated to have housed about 200 employees at all of its locations.

Source: MEXICONOW Staff