The following discussion covers everything you need to know regarding the drinking age in Peru. Peru is a South American country with a generally cold climate, so it’s not hard to see why the people would enjoy plenty of alcohol there. The same discussion will also be answering all of your questions regarding the drinking culture in this mountainous country. So, if this is a topic that interests you, then by all means, keep reading.Â
Peruvians enjoy their alcohol, and this has unfortunately led to the rise of alcoholism in the country. It is estimated that at least 35.2 percent of Peruvian men and 11.6 percent of Peruvian women will consume alcohol at least up to four times per month. Just like any other country, Peru has its own set of liquor laws – But is the public actually following them? Here is what we know.
What is the Legal Drinking Age in Peru?
The legal drinking age in Peru is 18 years old, and this means that adults cannot sell or provide any alcohol or alcoholic drinks to anyone below that age. And at the same time, any individual 17 years old and below cannot buy, consume, or possess any kind of alcohol or any beverage with alcohol in it.Â
What is the Legal Drinking Age in Peru for Tourists and Foreigners?
Peru attracts its fair share of tourists who want to climb or see the beautiful Andes mountains or the Machu Picchu ruins. Since they are already on Peruvian soil, it’s pretty much a given that they have to follow the legal drinking age in the country as well, which is 18 years old. As mentioned, Peruvians do drink a lot, so don’t be too surprised if they serve you plenty of alcohol during a gathering or at a party with acquaintances.Â
Do You Need an ID to Drink in Peru?
Peru is very strict about letting minors inside certain adult establishments, so to get inside one of them, an ID is indeed necessary. Aside from the usual work IDs, passports, driver’s licenses, and other documents, each Peruvian citizen owns a national ID card known as the DNI. It is the only identification card that is recognized by the Peruvian state.Â
Legal Drinking Age in Peru with Parents
The legal drinking age in Peru might be 18, but this is still overlooked by a few of the country’s citizens and even some establishments. This means that kids as young as 16 can actually purchase or consume alcohol there without a hitch, so it shouldn’t be surprising that there will be cases of teens drinking alcohol alongside their parents as well.Â
Legal Drinking Age in Peru by RegionÂ
Across the country, including its capital of Lima, the Peruvian legal drinking age is 18 years old. The drinking laws in Peru get harsher during the time of Ley Seca (literally “dry law”), which is held during election season. During Ley Seca, the sale and consumption of alcohol are temporarily prohibited throughout the whole country, and disobeying it can result in a huge penalty.
Can Minors Drink in Peru with Their Parents?
Since alcohol laws in Peru are very lax despite a legal drinking age, minors can indeed have alcohol with their parents. This can be harmful in the long run, as several reports have suggested that early exposure to alcohol can lead to alcoholism. This is probably the reason why Peru has a high case of alcoholism among its adult citizens too.Â
Consequences of Breaking the Drinking Age Law in PeruÂ
It is actually not recommended to drive in Peru at night since the danger is very rampant – That includes getting killed by a drunk driver. In Peru, the legal blood alcohol level is 0.05%, and getting caught drinking and driving, or driving under the influence of drugs, will result in a punishment depending on the situation.
If there are no injuries involved, the offender will be asked to pay $2,100 and lose their license for three years. Meanwhile, any accident that has caused serious injuries or death will result in a payment of $4,200 and their license permanently revoked.Â
Public intoxication, meanwhile, seems to be a minor crime in the country, and getting caught doing so will only result in a stern lecture from the authorities.Â
A Summary of the Drinking Age in PeruÂ
It’s unfortunate that despite the drinking age in Peru, as well as its list of liquor laws, alcoholism and cases of underage liquor consumption seems to be rampant among its citizens. So, if you want to visit this picturesque country, be sure to follow all of the rules regarding alcohol consumption and only drink in moderation. Another helpful tip is to be wary of the places that you’re entering in, and always try to be safe.Â
I am a passionate beer connoisseur with a deep appreciation for the art and science of brewing. With years of experience tasting and evaluating various beers, I love to share my opinions and insights with others and I am always eager to engage in lively discussions about my favorite beverage.
