Mexico is a country rich in culture, history, and extremely popular vacation areas. Coast to coast, Mexico sees over 60 million tourists a year, including many families. Though Mexico is known for its relaxed attitude towards alcohol consumption, there are still legal limits that need to be followed for an enjoyable and safe vacation. It is crucial to be aware of the local laws concerning the drinking age in advance of any travel plans you may have.
Part of your vacation plans to Mexico may include to legal drinking age. In this post, we’ll go over the rules and regulations about when children are allowed to begin consuming alcohol, as well as any punishments associated with irresponsible or underage drinking.
What is the Legal Drinking Age in Mexico?
In Mexico, the legal drinking age is 18 years of age in every state. This restriction is the same for both the consumption and the purchase of alcohol. The sale of alcoholic beverages to anyone under the age of 18 is prohibited, and people caught buying or providing minors with alcoholic drinks can face serious legal penalties and fines. Some fines could even be thousands of dollars.
Mexico requires that anyone purchasing alcohol furnish proper photo identification such as a passport or driver’s license to prove their age. There are over 30 states in Mexico, and some states have laws that may be more strict than others, limiting the consumption and sale of alcohol even further than federal regulations.
It is, therefore, important to take a closer look at local laws before deciding on a plan of action if one wishes to consume or purchase alcoholic beverages while in Mexico.
Can Minors Drink in Mexico with Their Parents?
While laws regarding alcohol consumption vary from country to country, and even though the minimum age for drinking is 18 in Mexico, it is still acceptable for minors to drink in a supervised environment with their parents present. In these instances, drinking should be conducted responsibly and within reason, as overindulging in alcohol can lead to many different health issues.
It’s important to note that if a minor has consumed too much alcohol, which could result in behavioral changes or other consequences, there may be legal repercussions for their parents. Ultimately, when it comes to minors consuming alcohol in Mexico with parents around, moderation is key.
Drinking Age in Mexican Resorts
Mexico boasts thousands of resorts for tourists to choose from, ranging from family-friend to adults-only resorts. Mexican resorts offer a unique opportunity for travelers to experience the beautiful culture and rock-bottom prices that make the country so appealing year after year.
However, visitors should be aware that in Mexico, the legal drinking age is 18 years old – two years lower than the United States drinking age of 21. This offers a great advantage for younger travelers looking to sample different local beverages without worrying about breaking any laws. However, one should exercise caution when consuming alcohol, considering higher tolerances in other nations.
As a result, it’s important to take responsibility for your actions at all times and enjoy safe and responsible drinking during your stay in Mexico. While drinking establishments outside resorts may be more willing to be lenient on the standard Mexican drinking laws, resorts often tend to be much stricter when it comes to underage drinking, as it is a felony to serve alcohol to minors.
It is highly recommended that you carry your identification proving your age outside your room, as many will refuse to sell you alcohol without proper identification, even if you are a guest of the resort.
What are the consequences of breaking the drinking law in Mexico?
Per the United States Embassy, Americans are required to adhere to all laws abroad and should make no assumptions that they are not subject to foreign legal consequences. In all Mexican states, breaking the drinking law carries serious consequences.
Enforcement of Mexican alcohol consumption laws has also seen much heavier enforcement in recent years. Anyone caught consuming or possessing alcohol in public will be subject to a hefty fine and could even face imprisonment.
Driving under the influence is also strictly prohibited, and those found guilty can expect extremely severe penalties that involve steep fines and jail time. Additionally, alcohol-related crimes such as providing alcohol to minors or driving recklessly due to excessive drinking are taken incredibly seriously by Mexican authorities and may have even greater financial penalties attached.
Visitors to Mexico should be aware of the laws regarding alcohol consumption to avoid unintentionally breaking them. Additionally, United States citizens that are arrested in Mexico must go through the Mexican legal process regardless of their American nationality.
Seeking legal assistance as an American citizen abroad can be a very lengthy and complicated process. Additionally, the United States government will not help American citizens avoid arrest or conviction resulting from a violation of local laws.
Final Thoughts
While Mexico is an extremely popular vacation destination for both families and individuals alike, it still has strict enforcement of alcohol consumption and sales laws. The legal drinking age in Mexico is still 18 for all individuals, regardless of whether or not someone’s parents are present.
While the law does grant resorts some flexibility when it comes to certain visitors who can be served alcohol, this obviously must be taken with caution by both business operators and guests alike. Ultimately, it’s essential to remember that drinking – especially of any fermented beverage – is still considered an adult-only activity in Mexico and should not be undertaken lightly.
Those who break the law and put younger teens at risk could face serious civil or criminal charges regardless of the person’s nationality. Even those of legal age can find themselves in trouble if they get behind the wheel or engage in risky behavior after indulging a bit too much.
Therefore, while enjoying a supervised drink or two while vacationing in Mexico can undoubtedly spice up your experience, alcoholic beverages should always be taken responsibly!
Here are the top 10 best Mexican beers you can try.
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.
