"It is with a heavy heart that we, The Southwest Tequila Association, make this announcement," began Mindy Green, spokesperson for the organizers. "Due to a controversial law in New Mexico that prevents non-employees of establishments to sample spirits to the public--the Fifth Annual New Mexico International Tequila Experience has been cancelled for this year."

"The liquor industry in this state is in trouble," declares Mike Morales, co-organizer of the New Mexico International Tequila Experience(TM). "Enforcement of this sampling law has crippled small liquor businesses, micro-brewers, wine, spirits and beer distributors and their subcontractors in what is traditionally the busiest time of the year."

Morales continues, "Many sampling subcontractors that have worked special events for the major distributors for years, have simply gone out of business due to lack of promotions throughout the state."

"There are lobbyists working hard to amend the current law to facilitate spirits and beer sampling," adds Jeff Young, the third member of the Southwest Tequila Association. "But the State Legislature won't be in session until January of next year! If the law is amended, it won't go into effect until July '05."

"Until then," concludes Young, "We're dead in the water."

"The Southwest Tequila Association thanks our friends and fans for their continued support of our show from the beginning," says Green. "We are looking into other options for next year, and hope to make 2005's event the grandest ever!"

"We regret any inconveniences that the show's cancellation may have caused to tequila aficionados worldwide," apologized Morales. "We encourage our friends, fans, tequila producers, and the press to log on to our website--or to call us directly at (505) 332-0617--to discuss this matter further, and to find out what you can do to keep the tradition of the New Mexico International Tequila Experience alive."