If you are planning a trip to Mexico or already live there, it’s important to know the legal drinking age in Mexico. Rules can feel relaxed in tourist areas, but there are still laws that everyone must follow.
What is the Legal Drinking Age in Mexico?
The legal drinking age in Mexico is 18 years old. Anyone under 18 is not allowed to buy or drink alcohol. This rule applies across the whole country, including big cities, small towns, and tourist spots.
Bars, clubs, and stores may ask for an ID before selling alcohol. A valid passport, driver’s license, or Mexican ID is usually accepted.
Drinking Rules in Mexico
- Buying Alcohol – Only people 18 and older can buy alcohol.
- Public Drinking – Drinking on the street is not allowed in most places. Police can fine you if caught.
- Bars & Clubs – Most clubs require you to be 18 or older to enter and drink.
- Drunk Driving – Strictly illegal. Police often run checks, and penalties are heavy.
Can Tourists Drink in Mexico?
Yes, tourists can drink in Mexico as long as they are 18 or older. Hotels and resorts will often ask for ID. Even if staff sometimes don’t check, it’s always safer to carry an ID with you.
Legal Drinking Age in Mexico vs. Other Countries
- Mexico – 18 years
- USA – 21 years
- Canada – 18 or 19 (depending on province)
- Germany – 16 for beer/wine, 18 for spirits
- Japan – 20 years
As you see, Mexico’s drinking age is lower than the USA and Japan, making it easier for young tourists over 18 to enjoy nightlife.
Legal Drinking Age in Mexico by State
Although the drinking age is 18 nationwide, some states have stricter rules on where you can drink. Here’s a quick look:
| State / Region | Legal Drinking Age | Extra Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico City | 18 | No street drinking allowed |
| Quintana Roo (Cancún, Tulum) | 18 | Resorts may check IDs strictly |
| Jalisco (Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta) | 18 | Heavy fines for drunk driving |
| Baja California (Tijuana) | 18 | Clubs may require ID check |
| Oaxaca | 18 | No alcohol sales after midnight in some towns |
| Yucatán (Mérida) | 18 | Public drinking fines apply |
| Puebla | 18 | No alcohol near schools/universities |
| Nuevo León (Monterrey) | 18 | Strict police checks for minors |
| Chihuahua | 18 | Bars close early in some cities |
| Veracruz | 18 | Street drinking not allowed |
FAQs
1. What is the legal drinking age in Mexico?
18 years old across the whole country.
2. Can I drink alcohol on the beach in Mexico?
In some tourist spots like Cancún, yes. But in most public areas, police can fine you.
3. Do clubs in Mexico check ID?
Yes, especially in tourist areas like Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Tijuana.
4. Can you drink at 16 in Mexico?
No. The law is clear – minimum age is 18.
5. What is the penalty for underage drinking in Mexico?
You can be fined, and sometimes parents or guardians may be contacted if you are a minor.
6. Is the drinking age different for foreigners in Mexico?
No. Tourists must also be 18 or older.
7. Is public drinking allowed in Mexico?
Mostly no. Drinking in public streets or plazas can lead to fines.
8. What is the drunk driving limit in Mexico?
Usually 0.08% BAC, but in some states, it’s lower. Police checks are common.