Bat Brigade discusses additional liquor licenses, mental health at state meetings

March 03--CARLSBAD -- Eighty members of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce spent Monday discussing issues such as tourism, liquor licenses and mental health with state leaders.

The "Bat Brigade," as the group is known, lobbied in Santa Fe Monday, and will continue to do so through today. Robert Defer, CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, said Tuesday that all the meetings were going "very well."

The brigade had met with the Human Services Department Monday morning about stabilizing the mental health care in the region. State Rep. Cathrynn Brown, U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce and State Sen. Carroll Leavell were all present, as were Jeff Diamond and Stella Davis, both members of the Carlsbad Mayor's Mental Health Taskforce.

"We are trying to get services back, and to stay in Carlsbad," Defer said.

Defer said that the Brigade also had a great meeting with the Alcohol and Gaming Department. The Carlsbad Microbrew Festival was discussed, as well as the possibility for getting more liquor licenses in Carlsbad.

"We talked about liquor licenses for smaller towns, and what we might be able to do for getting more licenses in our area," Defer said.

Defer said that the state will be looking into what it will take for Carlsbad to obtain more liquor licenses.

The Bat Brigade also met with the Department of Tourism to discuss ways to draw more visitors to both the local state parks.

Currently, high hotel rates are hurting tourism in the area, including state park visits, according to the Bat Brigade talking points.

The Bat Brigade will meet with Lt. Gov. John Sanchez and Gov. Susana Martinez today. Talking points for the meeting with the governor include highway funding and initiatives to recruit new businesses to the area. The Bat Brigade is expected to return to Carlsbad sometime this afternoon.

Katie England can be reached at 575-628-5516.

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