The New Mexico Environment Department’s Environmental Health Bureau, which oversees the state’s Food Safety Program, has issued violation letters to two Las Cruces‑area restaurants for operating without a valid permit. The letters, dated August 2026, cite non‑payment of the required permit fee and warn that the establishments have 30 days to pay the outstanding balance plus a late‑fee surcharge.

Businesses cited

The two locations identified in the enforcement watch database are:

• Go Burger Drive‑In, located at 1008 E. Lohman (violation notice dated 8/1/26)
• The Bean Café, located at 2011 Avenida de Mesilla (violation notice dated 8/1/26)

Both establishments are required to maintain a current permit to ensure compliance with state food‑safety standards. The Environmental Health Bureau stresses that permits protect public health by guaranteeing that restaurants meet sanitation, food‑handling, and facility‑maintenance requirements.

What the notice means for owners and patrons

Restaurant owners must submit the overdue permit fee and the associated late‑fee within the 30‑day window to avoid further enforcement action, which could include fines or a temporary shutdown of operations. Patrons can continue to dine at the locations while the issue is resolved, but the bureau encourages customers to stay informed about the status of any establishment’s permit.

How to verify a restaurant’s permit status

Consumers can check the New Mexico Environment Department’s Enforcement Watch database at https://www.env.nm.gov/enforcement-watch/. The site provides up‑to‑date information on permits, violations, and compliance actions for food establishments across the state.

Broader context

Enforcement of food‑service permits is a routine part of the department’s mission to safeguard public health. By ensuring that all restaurants adhere to licensing requirements, the bureau helps maintain a safe dining environment for families and communities throughout Las Cruces and the wider New Mexico region.

Local officials have praised the bureau’s proactive approach, noting that timely notice and clear deadlines give business owners a fair opportunity to correct deficiencies while protecting consumers.

Next steps

Go Burger Drive‑In and The Bean Café are expected to respond to the notices within the allotted period. The Environmental Health Bureau will monitor compliance and update the public record accordingly.

Original reporting: Las Cruces Sun News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.