New Mexico Restaurants Face Higher Fees | Santa Fe News

New Mexico restaurants brace for steeper fees starting October 1 as the state’s Environment Department hikes costs for late permits, extra inspections, and plan reviews—aiming to cover rising program expenses after a major funding shortfall forced inspection pauses earlier this year. While the department argues outdated fees haven’t kept pace with inflation and operational costs, restaurateurs call the hikes punitive, especially with reinspection fees jumping from $25 to $175 and potential costs soaring to $500. Though the changes aim to stabilize the food safety program and encourage timely renewals, they’re seen as a short-term fix, with the department still falling short of the 30 inspectors needed to meet legal requirements and seeking long-term funding solutions. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/24fe3fefe7c06f9c