Beer On Transport In Mexico: What's Allowed?

If you're planning a trip to Mexico and want to drink beer during your transport ride, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, the legal drinking age in Mexico is 18 years old, and you will need to be able to prove your age with a valid ID. In terms of bringing alcohol into the country, the rules vary depending on where you are travelling from. If you are crossing the border from the US, individuals over the age of 18 are permitted to bring up to three litres of liquor or beer and up to six litres of wine into Mexico. However, it is important to note that drinking your own alcohol while using public transport may not be allowed. It is always best to check with the specific transport company or local regulations to ensure you are complying with the law.

Drinking laws in Mexico

When drinking in Mexico, it is important to carry photo identification, such as a passport or driver's license, to prove that you are of legal drinking age. While most bars, restaurants, and resorts may not strictly enforce age verification, it is always better to be prepared.

If you are driving in Mexico, it is important to be aware of the DUI checkpoints set up by the authorities. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for driving is .08 in most states, but this limit is lower in some states, including Aguascalientes, Chiapas, Estado de México (including Mexico City), Hidalgo, Jalisco, Michoacán, Tamaulipas, and Veracruz. If you are found to be driving under the influence, you may face jail time, fines, and denial of future entry into the country if you have a previous drunk driving conviction.

In addition, Mexico occasionally enforces "ley seca" or dry law, which bans alcohol sales for up to 48 hours before and during elections and, very rarely, during religious holidays. This law was enforced at a national level until 2007, after which the authority to implement it was given to individual states.

When crossing the border into Mexico, individuals over the age of 18 are permitted to bring up to three liters of liquor or beer and up to six liters of wine. However, it is important to note that the laws and regulations regarding the import and export of alcohol may change, so it is always a good idea to check the most recent guidelines before your travel.

Drinking laws in the US

The Twenty-first Amendment to the United States Constitution grants each state and territory the power to regulate intoxicating liquors within their jurisdiction. As such, laws pertaining to the production, sale, distribution, and consumption of alcohol vary significantly across the country.

On July 17, 1984, the National Minimum Drinking Age Act was enacted, setting the minimum age to purchase and possess alcoholic beverages in public at 21 years. All 50 states and the District of Columbia complied with this Act. However, some states allow those under 21 to drink in certain circumstances, such as for religious purposes or with parental consent.

The National Highway System Designation Act of 1995 requires all states to impose a "zero-tolerance law", prohibiting drivers under 21 from operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content of 0.02% or higher.

The United States military reservations are exempt from state-enacted alcohol laws, and military bases typically mirror the drinking age of the local community.

Homebrewing of beer is legal in all 50 states, with a limit of 100 US gallons per adult per year and 200 US gallons per household annually. However, homebrewers are prohibited from selling any beer they brew due to federal excise taxes.

The production of distilled alcohols is regulated at the national level and carries an excise tax. Owning or operating a distillation apparatus without proper paperwork and taxes carries federal criminal penalties.

In addition to federal laws, individual states have their own alcohol policies. For example, some states prohibit the sale of alcohol on Sundays or during specific holidays, while others allow alcohol sales in grocery and convenience stores.

Overall, the drinking laws in the US are complex and vary from state to state, with a combination of federal, state, and local laws shaping the role of alcohol in the country.

Transporting alcohol in Mexico

Transporting alcohol across the Mexico-US border is allowed, but there are limits to how much you can bring into each country. Here is some information on transporting alcohol in Mexico, with a specific focus on the rules for those travelling from the US to Mexico by road.

Transporting Alcohol into Mexico

When crossing into Mexico by land, people over the age of 18 are permitted to bring three litres of liquor or beer and up to six litres of wine per adult. This allowance is per adult, so if you are travelling with family or friends, you can bring a larger quantity.

Transporting Alcohol from Mexico to the US

When returning to the US, you are allowed to bring more alcohol than when entering Mexico. California residents over the age of 21 crossing the border by car or on foot may bring back one litre of alcohol. Non-California residents over 21 can bring up to 60 litres of alcohol.

General Rules for Transporting Alcohol

It is important to note that you must be 21 years of age or older to possess alcoholic beverages in Mexico. If you are under 21, the alcohol will be confiscated. You must also be able to prove that you are 21 or older with valid identification. False or altered IDs will be confiscated, and you may be prosecuted.

Other Considerations

• It is illegal in Texas to consume or possess alcoholic beverages in a public place on Sundays between 2:15 a.m. and noon, and on any other day between 2:15 a.m. and 7 a.m.
• You are required to pay state tax on all alcoholic beverages imported into Texas.
• Cuban cigars are prohibited from being brought into Mexico.

Transporting alcohol in the US

The amount of alcohol you can bring into the US from Mexico depends on where you enter the US and the state regulations of that entry point. If you are a California resident entering the US by car, you may only bring back 1 litre of alcohol. Non-California residents over the age of 21 may bring up to 60 litres of alcohol. California residents travelling via steamship, airplane or railroad may also bring up to 60 litres.

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) states that one litre per person may be entered into the US duty-free by travellers who are 21 or older. Additional quantities may be entered, but they will be subject to duty and IRS taxes. There is no federal limit on the amount of alcohol a traveller may import into the US for personal use, but large quantities might raise the suspicion that the alcohol is for commercial purposes.

Duty is generally 3% of the value and the IRS excise tax is generally between 21-31 cents per 750ml bottle of wine, 67 cents for champagne, and $2.14 for hard liquor.

It is illegal for travellers under the age of 21 to import alcohol, even as a gift.

You must declare alcohol brought from a foreign country on a Customs and Border Protection form (6059B). Alcohol must be properly labelled, depending on the type. The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau offers guidelines on its website.

If you are flying with alcohol, there is a size limit for bottles in your carry-on luggage. The Transportation Security Administration requires liquids over 3.4 ounces to be packed in a checked bag, but exceptions are made for liquids above that size that are bought after you clear the security checkpoint.

If you are checking a bag with alcohol in it, the Federal Aviation Administration allows 5 litres per person of unopened bottles with alcohol by volume over 24% to 70%. You can pack more than that if the alcohol by volume falls under 24%. The FAA doesn't allow bottles with alcohol by volume over 70% in checked bags or carry-ons.

U.S. postal laws prohibit alcohol shipments through the mail, so you’ll have to go through a courier and likely pay handling and customs broker fees.

Drinking age in Mexico and the US

The legal drinking age in Mexico is 18 years of age across all regions. This means that individuals who are 18 or older can purchase and consume alcohol in Mexico. However, it's important to note that each state in Mexico has the power to set its own laws and regulations regarding alcohol. As a result, there may be variations in the enforcement of drinking laws and additional restrictions in certain areas. For example, in some states, minors are prohibited from entering bars or nightclubs, even when accompanied by adults. Additionally, the sale of alcohol may be restricted in specific areas, such as near schools, hospitals, or churches.

In the United States, the legal drinking age is 21 years of age. This federal mandate applies to all states, and it is illegal for individuals under 21 to possess or consume alcoholic beverages. The US has a zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking, and violations can result in confiscation of alcohol, fines, or other legal consequences.

When travelling between the US and Mexico, it's important to be mindful of the drinking laws and regulations in both countries. For example, when crossing the border from the US into Mexico by land, individuals over the age of 18 are typically allowed to bring a limited quantity of alcohol, such as three litres of liquor or beer and up to six litres of wine, for personal consumption. However, when returning to the US, different rules may apply depending on the state. For instance, California residents over the age of 21 crossing the border by car or foot can only bring back one litre of alcohol, while non-California residents in the same age group may bring up to 60 litres.

Frequently asked questions