(opening)
You may be in Mexico City for a holiday trip with friends or a quick getaway from school breaks. And all the fun times couldn't be better with a drink or two. But wait! Before you plan to celebrate the occasion with a bottle of tequila, it's best to know the legal drinking age in Mexico. The last thing you want is to end up breaking the law and to pay for the consequences. In Mexico, the national limit for blood alcohol content is 0.08. So, before you cross the border, find out the legal drinking age in Mexico for peace of mind.
The Legal Drinking Age In Mexico
[caption id="attachment_109710" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Photo by Katzenfee50 from Pixabay[/caption]
While the legal drinking age for Americans is 21 years old, it's a few years younger for locals. The minimum legal drinking age in Mexico is 18 years old. This is perhaps why Mexico has been on top of travel lists. Travelers should also note that, when preparing documents for travel, you may need to scan a passport or add your known traveler number to an existing reservation for smoother entry.
Drinking In Hotels And Resorts In Mexico
By law, young adults must present their identification cards (IDs) and photos to prove they are of legal age to drink in Mexico. This also applies when purchasing alcoholic beverages from convenience stores and supermarkets. If anyone looks underage, store employees reserve the right to ask for proof of identity. When drinking in hotels or all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, you are still expected to present an ID. However, some hotels do not practice this law strictly. This does not mean you can relax and neglect the rules. If you need to scan a passport for verification at check-in, be prepared to do so.
Drinking In Mexico With Family
[caption id="attachment_109717" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Photo by ColdwellPro from Pixabay[/caption]
Whether you're on a family vacation in Cancun or Playa del Carmen, the same drinking age in Mexico applies. Having parents with you does not allow you to bypass the age limit. However, if a hotel resort seems lenient, the risk is yours to take.
When drinking at all-inclusive resorts, you wear colored bracelets: separate colors for over 18, under 18, and honeymooners. This system helps staff quickly identify who is of legal age. Some resorts avoid offending guests, so parents should monitor their children. Parents should set ground rules beforehand, discussing how much alcohol teenagers may consume and how much independence they have during vacation.
Spring Break In Mexico
[caption id="attachment_109741" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Photo by EmilianDanaila from Pixabay[/caption]
Home to nearly 500 beaches and amazing food, Mexico is a favorite spring break destination among many American students. If it's your first time spending your spring break in Mexico, you might be wondering about the rules for drinking. Regardless if it's spring break or not, the legal drinking age in Mexico is 18 years old and above. Many American teenagers are lured into the country by this significantly younger legal drinking age.
Whether you're dreaming of drinking in a bar in Mexico or in a resort, make sure to be responsible. There have been reports of American young adults who get into trouble because of intoxication or drunk driving. If you need to scan a passport for age verification at a bar, be prepared to show it. Before you travel, you can locate my reservation on Expedia to check your hotel’s drinking policies.
First-Time Drinking Tips In Mexico
[caption id="attachment_109778" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Photo by kaicho20 from Pixabay[/caption]
Want your first legal drink to be in Mexico? Here are tips to stay safe when not sober:
- Don't drink in public: It's illegal to drink in public in Mexico, and this is often strictly enforced. This means you cannot drink on public streets and other public areas. Be considerate of both tourists and locals, and avoid being overly drunk.
- Take licensed taxis: Travelers are advised to take regulated and licensed taxis as much as possible. This way, you can be sure of your safety. Using unlicensed taxis puts you at risk.
- Don't drink and swim: While swimming in Cancun is very tempting, don't do it while intoxicated. Security and safety standards on Mexico beaches may not be as strict, so exercise extra caution.
- Don't drink and drive: People suspected of driving while intoxicated can be pulled over by the police, regardless of whether you're a minor or above 18 years old. There are also random alcohol breathalyzer checks in the bigger cities of Mexico. In Mexico, the national limit for blood alcohol content is 0.08.
- Keep your passport safe: Keep your passport secure at all times. You will be asked for proper identification when drinking in hotel resorts in Mexico. Among all IDs, the passport is the most honored and recognizable one you can present. When you need to identify your document, knowing how to scan a passport can help speed things up.
- Be aware of tainted drinks: Tainted drinks are prevalent in Mexico, and vacationers are highly advised to be cautious. Those who consume tainted drinks can become ill. There are also some reports of people dying from laced drinks. Those who frequent bars and nightclubs should be extra careful and observant. If you feel something is wrong with your drink, immediately stop drinking and go to the hospital.
Penalties For Minors Drinking In Mexico
[caption id="attachment_109783" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Photo by MichaelGaida from Pixabay[/caption]
Ignoring the drinking age in Mexico has repercussions. While some resorts and restaurants may be lenient, it remains smart to abide by local laws. Consequences for violating Mexico's drinking laws include:
- Being kicked out: Most bars and clubs will ask you to leave if caught underage drinking.
- Getting fined or detained: Hefty fines or jail time can result from being overly drunk and loud in Mexico. This also applies to minors caught drinking or buying alcohol. Driving while drunk is a criminal offense; you can be detained for up to 36 hours when caught driving while intoxicated.
- Getting imprisoned: Minors buying alcohol can face trouble, but those selling alcohol to minors can land in jail. Getting caught with drugs can lead to prison for up to a year without bail. Drugs may be readily available, but this does not mean you cannot go to prison for them.
In Mexico, the national limit for blood alcohol content is 0.08. However, there are stricter rules in certain states:
-
- 0.4: Estado de México, Hidalgo, Jalisco, Michoacán, Aguascalientes, Chiapas, Distrito Federal, Tamaulipas, and Veracruz
- 0.5: Chihuahua
Best Bars In Mexico
[caption id="attachment_109789" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Photo by heidi_ziller from Pixabay[/caption]
If you meet the legal drinking age in Mexico, then you're more than allowed to drink and party away in the country. For the best experience, you might want to swing by these hot bars.
- La Casa de las Sirenas: Explore the many flavors of tequila at La Casa de las Sirenas. Set within a 16th-century building, it offers a dining and drinking experience with a wide selection of alcoholic beverages from more than 250 brands.
- Area Bar: A trendy rooftop bar in Mexico City, the Area Bar is a favorite among the elite. Drink at its luxurious decked lounge area while enjoying breathtaking views and a great cocktail selection.
- Artic Bar: Latin America's very first ice bar, where you can sit on ice sofas. The bar provides suitable clothing, so you just need to prepare for a fun drinking session with a variety of drinks.
- La Unica: A restaurant-bar offering a variety of Mexican delights and an attractive wine and cocktail list. La Unica houses a stunning dining room that creates the perfect ambiance.
If you're planning your trip, you might need to modify reservation on Expedia before you go.
Best Bottles To Bring Home
- Mezcal Real Minero Largo: A family-run brand, 100% largo agave, with herbal and green notes and mild sweetness.
- Don Mateo Pechuga: Made with Cenizo agave, this pechuga offers earthy, rich, and smoky flavor.
- Cervecería de Colima Piedra Lisa: An easy-to-drink option with citrus flavor and a light finish, ideal for a light afternoon session.
- Cru Cru Porter: Notes of coffee and chocolate with a rich taste and a bitter aftertaste.
If you are flying home, remember to scan a passport at the duty-free counter to verify your age for purchase.
Ready To Cross The Border?
Enjoy a cocktail drink on a stylish rooftop bar. Lounge by the beach with a few bottles of cold beer. These are just a couple of things you can enjoy when vacationing in Mexico. However, before you pop that beer can, make sure you know the legal drinking age and rules in Mexico. The legal drinking age in Mexico may be lower than in the U.S., but this doesn't mean Mexico is any less lenient about underage drinking. Keep in mind that irresponsibility and carelessness have repercussions, any of which can ruin your trip. So, before you pack your bags with your family or friends, make sure to familiarize yourself with the rules and laws.
