Americans have a legal drinking age of 21, but the locals are a few years younger. Mexico has a legal drinking age of 18. It is perhaps for this reason that Mexico is on the top of every traveler’s list.
You can enjoy yourself out in the town in Mexico while drinking with friends. However, be sure to check the laws and regulations before partying.
Drinking With Family In Mexico
Mexico has the same drinking age regardless of whether you’re on vacation in Cancun or Playa del Carmen. It does not mean you can get away with the drinking age limits in Mexico if you are with your parents or family members. However, if the hotel resort seems lenient about this rule, it’s up to you to take the risk.
If you’re drinking in Mexico’s all-inclusive resorts, you need to wear a colored bracelet. There are different colors for the over-18s, the under-18s, and even for honeymooners. Hotel resorts can easily identify guests of legal drinking age using this bracelet system. Some resorts, however, simply cannot care less about offending their customers, so parents should keep an eye on their children.
Due to the inconsistent standards of hotel resorts in Mexico, parents should set their own ground rules ahead of time. It is important to discuss how much alcohol your teenagers will be allowed to consume, as well as the degree of independence they will have while on vacation.
Drinking In Mexico’s Hotels And Resorts
To prove they are of legal drinking age in Mexico, young adults are required to show their identification cards (IDs) and photos. The same applies when purchasing alcoholic beverages from any supermarket or convenience store. Any person who looks underage may be asked for proof of identification by the store staff. You are still required to present an ID when drinking in hotels or all-inclusive resorts in Mexico. There are, however, some hotels that do not adhere to this law strictly. However, that does not mean you can ignore the rules.
Tips For First-Time Drinkers In Mexico
Is Mexico the place where you want to drink your first legal drink? Stay safe when you’re not sober by following these tips:
- Be sure not to drink in public: Public drinking is illegal in Mexico, and it is often strictly enforced. So don’t drink in public or on public streets. You should also be considerate of locals and tourists, and avoid getting too drunk.
- Licensed taxis are recommended: It is recommended that travelers use regulated and licensed taxis as much as possible. By doing so, you can ensure your safety. Unlicensed taxis pose a risk to your safety.
- Don’t swim after drinking: Although Cancun’s beaches are very inviting, you should avoid swimming after drinking. Exercise extra caution on Mexico beaches due to a lack of security and safety standards.
- Drinking and driving is not a good idea: You could be pulled over by the police if you are suspected of being drunk. It doesn’t matter if you’re a minor or over 18. Random alcohol breathalyzer tests are also conducted in Mexico’s bigger cities.
- Passport security: Make sure that your passport is secure at all times. The hotel resorts in Mexico will ask you for identification when you drink. One of the most recognizable and honored forms of identification is the passport.
- You should be cautious of tainted drinks: The prevalence of tainted drinks in Mexico should be taken into account by travelers. Travelers consuming contaminated beverages may become ill. There have also been reports of people dying from drinking laced beverages. Bar-goers and nightclub-goers need to be extra vigilant. You should stop drinking immediately and go to the hospital if you feel something is wrong with your drink.
Problems That Can Occur When You Drink Too Much
Mexico is a safe country to visit, but some people seek to take advantage of unsuspecting tourists. If you anticipate drinking excessively, limit the party to a resort area or reputable nightclub.
Also, you should guard your belongings, avoid leaving your group for long periods, and avoid leaving with strangers.
In Mexico, it’s important to be aware of the consequences of excessive drinking since people tend to engage in these activities when their inhibitions are lowered.
Being Drunk Has Legal Ramifications
Even though Mexico has some very strict laws governing personal conduct, drinking is a popular pastime for many visitors. Keep these rules and regulations in mind so you can fully enjoy the festivities.
Mexico has a legal drinking age of 18, and alcohol can be purchased almost anywhere 24/7. You should always avoid buying alcohol for a minor if you do not have their identification. Anyone who appears to be underage and is drinking in public may be asked for identification by the police.
Mexico has a law against public intoxication, and it is often enforced. While one is prohibited from drinking on the streets, one is allowed to drink on resort property. However, regardless of where you are in Mexico, you should observe local customs and refrain from being overly drunk and rambunctious as this could lead to hefty fines or even imprisonment.
While it is illegal to drive in Mexico while intoxicated, it is legal to travel with alcohol in your vehicle. If you’re found driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over the legal limit, you may be detained for up to 36 hours. If you’ve been convicted of drunk driving in the last 10 years, you may be barred from entering the country in the future.
BAC limits in Mexico are 0.8, but they are lower in certain states, including Jalisco, Chihuahua, and Veracruz. If you are suspected of driving under the influence, police can stop you and administer a breathalyzer test.
Conclusion
A trendy rooftop bar is a perfect place to enjoy a cocktail. You can also relax by the beach with a few cold beers. While vacationing in Mexico, you can enjoy these and other activities. Make sure, however, that you are aware of the legal drinking age in Mexico and any other rules you may have to follow. Despite Mexico having a lower legal drinking age than the U.S., Mexico still does not tolerate underage drinking as much as the U.S. You should also remember that irresponsibility and carelessness have repercussions, any of which could ruin your vacation. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the rules and laws before you pack your bags with your family or friends.
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