The bar is closed on US Airways' New Mexico flights

[Ari707]

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico (AP) -- New Mexico ordered US Airways to stop serving alcohol on flights to or from the state after learning that it didn't have a state liquor license.

The discovery came during an investigation of a fatal drunken driving crash involving a man who was accused of being intoxicated on a US Airways flight to Albuquerque, said Ed Lopez, superintendent of the state Regulation and Licensing Department.

"We're interpreting it to apply to all US Airways flights scheduled to arrive in or depart from New Mexico," Lopez said of the order. "They should not be selling alcohol while in New Mexico airspace."

The lack of a license means the airline is "effectively bootlegging," he said.

The state delivered a cease-and-desist order to US Airways officials Monday at the Albuquerque airport, Lopez said.

"We're aware of the order and we're going to comply," Valerie Wunder, a spokeswoman for the airline, said Tuesday from Tempe, Arizona.

The airline has about two weeks to notify state regulators that it has stopped serving alcohol, and then it may apply for a liquor license, Lopez said.

All other major airlines operating in New Mexico are licensed, Lopez said.

The November 11 traffic wreck that led to the order killed five members of one family and the man who hit their van head-on.

Dana Papst, 44, was driving the wrong way on Interstate 25 near Santa Fe when his truck hit the family's van. Blood tests showed Papst's blood-alcohol content was four times the state's legal limit for driving.

Authorities also accused a convenience store in Bernalillo of selling beer to Papst between the time he got off a US Airways flight and the crash even though he was already drunk.

[hiss srq]

Well guess what dummies of New Mexico.... Once those wheels leave the ground it is federal regulations not state anymore. I hope Doug takes it to court. There is no reason why this should be an issue. The guy drank on our plane things happen and unfortuneately someone lost their life but it is not our airlines fault and I am pretty sure that WN is not getting this issue placed against them. If one airline is going to get it everyone should.

[T-Bird76]

Well guess what dummies of New Mexico.... Once those wheels leave the ground it is federal regulations not state anymore. I hope Doug takes it to court. There is no reason why this should be an issue. The guy drank on our plane things happen and unfortuneately someone lost their life but it is not our airlines fault and I am pretty sure that WN is not getting this issue placed against them. If one airline is going to get it everyone should.

Ryan however there are regulations when the plane is on the ground and one of those is no liquor on board if they don't have the license to sell it. This falls under transport laws within the state. Like a bar the airline can and prob will be held partially responsible for this man's actions. He should have been cut off when he began to show the signs of intoxication. Someone in US is cleaning out there desk right now for not securing the proper permits and what not.