What’s the Drinking Age in Mexico?
Mexico is the holiday destination of choice for millions of Americans every year. Many holiday goers in Mexico will enjoy an alcoholic beverage during a day or night out. Due to its warmer climate, it’s common to see people having a good time enjoying a cold alcoholic drink. If you are planning to travel to Mexico with family or friends, you might want to know the legal drinking age to know what to expect.
In Mexico, the legal drinking age is 18. However, you must prove that you are of legal age when you plan to buy alcohol. Always bring your ID with you, as most bars, clubs, and resorts in Mexico would ask for it.
Legal Drinking Age in Mexico
When you are in Mexico, you are bound by Mexican laws; thus, an 18-year-old American national can consume alcohol legally in Mexico. This might account for why many American youngsters cross the border to Mexico to party where it is legal for them to drink.
All 32 Mexican states follow this rule. This means that under Mexican laws, a person 18 and over can consume alcoholic beverages in every state of the nation. This legal age is much lower than in the United States, where the drinking age is 21.
Tequila shots, margaritas, and tequila-based mixes are the standard drinks of choice for young tourists visiting Mexico. However, just like in the US, you might be required to show proof of age when you try to buy alcohol.
When you order alcohol in restaurants and bars, you might also need to procure a photo ID. You can show a suitable ID like your driver’s license or passport. If you cannot provide a valid ID, the alcohol vendor reserves the right not to sell you alcohol if they think you might be underage.
Drinking Laws in Mexico
Some might be tempted to think that Mexico’s younger drinking age means they are lenient with their drinking laws. This is, however, not true, as the Mexican authorities penalize tourists and residents that break the country’s laws regarding alcohol consumption, such as:
- Being drunk in a public place
- Drunk driving
- Drinking alcohol from an open container on public streets
- Being drunk within 24 and 72 hours of voting
In Mexico, the police can stop you and administer a breathalyzer test to determine if you are under the influence of alcohol. If they determine that your blood alcohol level is high, the police can take you into custody. In some instances of past incidents of drunk driving, you may face deportation and lose future entry to Mexico.
The Dry Law
The drunk voting law is called the “dry law” and is enforced to ensure that citizens keep the peace before any voting period. Violating this Mexican drinking law can lead to severe penalties, even as a tourist.
Underage Drinking
Underage drinkers can get a fine for public alcohol consumption, and the authorities can kick you out of an establishment if they find out you are drinking as a minor. Drunk driving is also a criminal offense in Mexico, and defaulters can face serious charges.
Drinking in Mexico: Safety Tips
If you’re coming to Mexico to have a good time, taking note of these tips is essential.
- Know and Keep to Your Limits
People have varying levels of alcohol tolerance. Before going out to party, it’s best to decide to keep your alcohol consumption within a safe limit.
- Have a Designated Driver or Use Public Transportation
If you are a foreigner in Mexico, you do not get a pass for drunk driving. Therefore, if you know you plan to get wasted at a party, it would be in your best interest to appoint a designated driver ahead of time. Moreover, you should use the public transportation system if no one in your company can stand as a designated driver. Or otherwise, you can hail a taxi or use ride-hailing apps.
- Always Bring Your ID
When in Mexico, ensure you always carry a means of identification. Some clubs and establishments might require you to show proof of age before admitting you in. However, this is not the rule everywhere; some places might admit you but only ask for an ID when you order alcohol. Although an ID check is not as common in Mexico as in the US, it is best to have your ID and stick to the rules.
- Don’t Drink in Public
Public drunkenness is unlawful in Mexico. Therefore, ensure to drink only inside suitable premises, like clubs, bars, or restaurants.
- Watch Your Drinks
It’s essential to watch your drinks closely while drinking at a party. Predators spiking unsuspecting their victim’s drinks is not unheard of. There have been many reports of people being sent to the hospital due to ingesting a drugged drink.
This usually happens in large gatherings, such as a rave. Also, ensure to drink in licensed places to avoid buying tainted alcohol. It would be best if you also refrained from accepting unknown drinks from strangers.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What’s the blood alcohol limit in Mexico?
The blood alcohol limit in most Mexican states is 0.8. In some places like Chihuahua and Mexico City, it is much lower at 0.5 and 0.4, respectively.
- Can I travel with alcohol in Mexico?
Yes. It is not illegal to travel with alcohol in Mexico. You can bring them along but refrain from drinking while driving.
- Can I consume alcohol as a passenger in a car in Mexico?
Alcohol consumption while riding as a passenger is not an offense in Mexico, as long as you are 18 and above.
Conclusion
The legal age for drinking is 18 in all states in Mexico. If this is exciting news to you due to the higher legal age in your region, you need to know that there are strict drinking laws in Mexico. Thus, it is crucial for you to keep abreast of local laws to avoid defaulting.
Even though Mexico is generally safe, as a tourist, you need to put your safety first. Stick with your travel company or friends and move in groups as much as possible. Also, keep a close eye on your drink when drinking in a public place. If you suspect you have consumed a tainted drink, seek help immediately.
