The Legal Drinking Age In Mexico With Drinking Tips 

While the legal drinking age in the United States is 21, the locals are a few years younger. In Mexico, the legal drinking age is 18 years old. This is maybe why Mexico has been at the top of the trip list.

THE RULES OF MEXICO’S LEGAL DRINKING AGE

If your children are going on their own, it’s a good idea to explain to them about the restrictions and hazards of underage drinking in Mexico.

The legal drinking age in Mexico is 18 years old, and this applies to all states.

Many young individuals travel to the beaches of Cancun, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Los Cabos with the intention of consuming alcohol, sometimes because they are unaware that the legal drinking age in Mexico is three years younger than the minimum age in the United States (21).

In addition to popular tequila-based mixed beverages, young people frequently take shots of tequila, a Mexican liquor that is most usually served “neat” with salt and lime.

Young persons (or those who appear young) are intended to be required to provide picture identification, generally a driver’s license or passport, to prove their age. This restriction applies to alcohol purchased in shops, restaurants, and bars (in Mexico, beer, wines and spirits are ubiquitous, even available in supermarkets).

When ordering alcoholic beverages at resorts, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, proof of age is also needed.

Off-premises use of open alcohol bottles on public streets, as well as public intoxication, are both banned in Mexico. Those who sell alcohol to minors may also face penalties.

Exemptions from the regulations

The regulations governing the purchase and use of alcohol in Mexico are not routinely enforced, but when they are, the penalties for breaches can range from being kicked out of a restaurant to being fined or even being imprisoned. You never know how severe the penalty will be.

Many all-inclusive resorts verify the age of younger visitors at check-in and offer a colored wristband that indicates whether they are of legal drinking age or not. Even yet, persons under the age of 18 may have access to alcohol, especially if they are in the company of adults.

MEXICO PENALTIES FOR MINORS DRINKING

Ignoring the drinking age in Mexico has consequences. Penalties are simple to avoid at certain more liberal resorts and restaurants. However, even if you are in a different nation, it is always prudent to follow the regulations and laws. Here are some of the penalties you may face if you violate Mexico’s drinking laws:

Being booted out: If you’re detected underage drinking, most pubs and clubs will ask you to leave.

Being fined or detained: Being extremely intoxicated and boisterous in Mexico can result in large penalties or even incarceration. This includes minors who are found drinking or purchasing alcohol.

DRINKING WITH FAMILY IN MEXICO

The same drinking age applies in Mexico whether you’re on a family holiday in Cancun or Playa del Carmen. It does not imply that if you are accompanied by your parents or family, you may avoid the drinking age limitations in Mexico. However, if the hotel resort appears to be flexible with this regulation, you are quite free to take the chance.

When drinking at Mexico’s all-inclusive resorts, you must wear colorful wristbands. There are different colors for those above the age of 18, those under the age of 18, and even couples on their honeymoon. This wristband method assists hotel resorts in swiftly determining who is of legal drinking age.

However, there are resorts that do not want to insult their consumers, therefore parents should keep a watch on their children.

Given the inconsistency of hotel resorts in Mexico, parents should establish their own ground rules before of time. Discuss how much alcohol you will allow your adolescents to consume, as well as how much independence they will be granted while vacation.

TIPS FOR FIRST-TIME DRINKING IN MEXICO

Do you want to have your first legal drink in Mexico? Here are some safety tips for when you’re not sober:

• Don’t drink in public: It’s illegal to drink in public in Mexico, and it’s often enforced. This implies that you are not permitted to consume alcohol on public streets or in other public places. It’s also a good idea to be respectful to both tourists and residents, and to avoid becoming too inebriated.
• Take licensed taxis: It is recommended that travelers use regulated and licensed taxis as often as possible. You can be certain of your safety this way. Taking unauthorized cabs puts you in danger.
• Don’t drink and swim: When swimming in Cancun is incredibly appealing, avoid doing so while inebriated. Beach security and safety requirements in Mexico may not be as severe, so use additional caution.
• Don’t drink and drive: People suspected of driving under the influence may be pulled over by police. This applies whether you are a juvenile or above the age of 18. There are also random alcohol breathalyzer tests in Mexico’s larger cities.
• Maintain the security of your passport: Maintain the security of your passport at all times. When drinking at Mexico’s hotel resorts, you will be questioned for sufficient identification. The passport is the most respected and identifiable form of identification you may show.
• Be wary of poisoned beverages: Tainted drinks are common in Mexico, and visitors are strongly encouraged to exercise caution. Those who ingest contaminated beverages may become unwell. There have also been stories of persons dying as a result of contaminated beverages. Those who visit pubs and nightclubs should be especially cautious and vigilant. If you suspect something is amiss with your drink, stop drinking immediately and go to the hospital.

TAKEAWAY

Enjoy a beverage at a chic rooftop bar. Relax on the beach with a couple cool beer bottles. These are just a few of the activities you may do while on vacation in Mexico. However, before you crack that beer can, make sure you understand Mexico’s legal drinking age and laws. Although the legal drinking age in Mexico is lower than in the United States, this does not imply that Mexico is any less tolerant of underage drinking. Remember that recklessness and carelessness have consequences, and any of them might spoil your trip. So, before you pack your belongings with your family or friends, make sure you are aware with the norms and legislation.