Beer In Mexico: Safe To Drink?

Drinking beer in Mexico is generally considered safe, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the legal drinking age in Mexico is 18, and drinking in public or on the street is illegal, with fines or jail time as possible consequences. Secondly, drinking and driving is a serious offence in Mexico, with police officers authorised to pull drivers over and administer breathalyser tests. Thirdly, there have been reports of tainted alcohol in Mexico, so it is recommended to only drink alcohol from reputable sources such as licensed bars and restaurants, and to avoid accepting drinks from strangers. Lastly, it is important to be aware of the effects of altitude on alcohol consumption, as many places in Mexico are situated at high altitudes where alcohol can have a stronger effect. Overall, drinking beer in Mexico can be safe as long as individuals follow local laws and stay cautious and vigilant.

Drinking and driving in Mexico

Drinking and Driving Laws in Mexico

In most Mexican states, the limit for blood alcohol level is 0.8, but some states have a lower threshold. For example, in Sonora and Baja California, the limit is 0.08, while in Chihuahua (which borders the US state of Texas), the limit is 0.05. Other states with lower limits include Aguascalientes, Chiapas, Estado de México (including Mexico City), Hidalgo, Jalisco, Michoacán, Tamaulipas, and Veracruz, where the limit is 0.04.

Consequences of Drinking and Driving in Mexico

If you are caught driving under the influence in Mexico, you will be subject to strict penalties. The police can pull you over and administer a breathalyser test if they suspect you are drunk. If you are found to be over the limit, you could be sent to prison, with jail time ranging from a few hours to several years. Additionally, your Mexican auto insurance may be invalidated, leaving you financially vulnerable in the event of an accident. You may also be denied entry to Mexico if you have a drunk driving conviction, and foreigners do not receive any leniency for driving drunk.

Alternatives to Drinking and Driving in Mexico

To avoid the risks associated with drinking and driving in Mexico, it is recommended to take a cab or use public transportation. Taxis are very affordable in Mexico, and there is no need to take your car if you plan on drinking. If you are in a group, you can also stay together and look out for each other. By following these precautions, you can enjoy Mexico's famous drinks, such as tequila, beer, and wine, without putting yourself or others at risk.

The legal drinking age in Mexico

Drinking alcohol in Mexico comes with certain risks and it's important to be aware of the country's alcohol laws and drinking age to avoid legal issues and stay safe.

Drinking Laws in Mexico

While the drinking age is 18, there are other drinking laws in Mexico that individuals should be aware of:

• Drinking and driving is illegal and a criminal offence in Mexico. Police officers can administer breathalyzer tests and individuals caught driving under the influence can face severe penalties, including imprisonment and hefty fines.
• Public drunkenness is illegal in Mexico. It is not allowed to drink on public streets, but it is permitted on resort property.
• The sale of alcoholic beverages may be restricted on certain dates, such as election days, national holidays, and important events, due to policies like "Ley Seca" (Dry Law) in Mexico City.
• Alcohol cannot be sold in certain areas, such as near schools, hospitals, or churches, in some states like Jalisco and Yucatán.
• It is illegal to sell alcohol to minors in Mexico, and those who do so can be punished.
• Minors caught drinking alcohol without proof of parental consent or participating in outdoor drinking parties ("botellones") can face legal consequences.
• It is common to be asked for photo identification, such as a passport or driver's license, when purchasing alcohol to verify proof of age.
• Alcohol breathalyzer tests are common in Mexico, especially in Mexico City, and police officers are allowed to stop motorists and request they take a breath test if they suspect the driver is over the legal limit.

Tips for Staying Safe While Drinking in Mexico

To ensure a safe and enjoyable drinking experience in Mexico, it is important to follow certain safety tips:

• Choose your drinking spots carefully and research the areas you plan to visit beforehand. Ask locals or hotel staff for recommendations on safe drinking spots.
• Keep an eye on your drink at all times and never leave it unattended to reduce the risk of drink spiking.
• Avoid accepting drinks from strangers or alcoholic drinks from unfamiliar sources.
• Stick to reputable bars and restaurants and only purchase alcohol from licensed vendors to ensure it is safe and reduce the risk of consuming tainted alcohol.
• Be cautious when drinking in groups or with strangers. Stay with a group of friends and keep your belongings secure to reduce the risk of theft or scams.
• Learn some basic Spanish phrases to help communicate with locals and avoid misunderstandings.
• Do not drink tap water in Mexico, as it may not be safe. Stick to bottled water or use a water filter.
• Always carry photo identification and be mindful of any cut-off times for purchasing alcohol.
• Never drink and drive. Use public transportation or taxis if you plan to drink.

Drinking in public in Mexico

If you want to drink a cold beer while walking down a street on a hot day, it is best to exercise caution and be mindful of local laws and customs. It is illegal to be overtly drunk and rambunctious in public, and doing so may lead to unwanted attention and encounters with the police.

To avoid any legal trouble, it is recommended to consume alcohol within the confines of a bar or your resort. Mexico has a lower drinking age than many other countries, and alcohol is readily available almost anywhere on a 24/7 basis. However, it is important to remember that drinking and driving is a serious offence and can result in severe penalties.

Additionally, it is worth noting that there have been increasing problems with tainted alcohol in recent years, so it is important to only drink from reputable sources and avoid accepting drinks from strangers.

Avoiding tainted alcohol in Mexico

Tainted alcohol has been linked to a number of deaths in Mexico. It is produced illegally, often with the goal of minimizing cost and maximizing profit. This could be as simple as replacing a high-end spirit with a low-end one or diluting bottles with water, or as dangerous as mixing in chemicals like methanol, a fatally toxic form of alcohol commonly used in antifreeze.

• Do your research. Read online reviews to see if other guests have been complaining about alcohol-related problems at the restaurant, bar, or hotel you plan on visiting.
• Buy duty-free alcohol. Purchase alcohol from the airport duty-free shops to drink on your travels. It is much harder to sneak tainted alcohol into bottles at airports due to heavy regulations.
• Stick to wine and beer. Avoid hard liquor at bars, which is the most common type of alcohol to be tainted. Stick to wine and bottled or canned beer, which are less likely to be contaminated.
• Watch your drink being made. Ensure that everything that goes into your glass comes from a sealed bottle and that nothing suspicious is added.
• Pay attention to the taste. Do not consume anything that tastes "off".
• Inspect the bottles. Check the labels, seal, and contents of bottles in your minibar. Labels should be secured with a horizontal glue pattern and free of typos. Do not drink anything that is unsealed. Sediment at the bottom of the bottle may indicate the presence of an unknown substance.
• Only drink from reputable sources. Only drink alcohol purchased from licensed bars and restaurants.
• Do not accept drinks from strangers. Only accept drinks from people you know and trust.
• Be cautious when meeting new people. Do not leave with strangers.
• Be aware of the symptoms. The symptoms of drinking tainted alcohol include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you experience any of these symptoms after drinking, seek medical help immediately.

DUI checkpoints in Mexico

While drinking beer in Mexico is generally safe, drinking and driving is a serious crime. DUI checkpoints are legal in Mexico, and police officers can pull you over and administer a breathalyzer test if they suspect you're under the influence. If you're caught driving while over the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit, you may be detained for up to 36 hours.

• Police officers can set up roadblocks at predetermined locations and conduct random DUI checks on any driver passing through.
• Drivers are required to stop and provide certain information, such as their name, driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance.
• You may decline a breath test or field sobriety test, but if you are arrested for DUI, all states' implied consent laws require you to submit to a chemical test at the officer's request.
• It is not illegal to turn around before a DUI checkpoint, but it can look suspicious. If you violate any traffic laws while turning around, such as hitting a curbside or not using a turn signal, you may be pulled over and face additional charges.
• If you are drinking, it is best to use public transportation or taxis. Taxis are very affordable in Mexico, so there is no need to take your car if you plan on drinking.
• The legal drinking age in Mexico is 18 years old, and alcohol is widely available for purchase almost anywhere, at any time.
• Mexico has strict laws against public intoxication. It is illegal to drink on public streets, but it is allowed on resort properties.

Frequently asked questions