Mexico Considers Raising Legal Drinking Age to 21

  • March 2, 2025

A new legislative initiative in Mexico proposes raising the minimum legal drinking age from 18 to 21. The Green Ecologist Party of Mexico (PVEM) is championing this change, citing strong evidence linking early alcohol use to negative impacts on the developing brain and increased addiction risk. Deputy Mayra Espino Suárez is leading the charge, emphasizing the potential for improved public health.

The PVEM highlights the significant health burden associated with alcohol consumption, estimating its connection to over 200 diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and heart problems. National survey data from 2016-2017 indicates that a large portion of the Mexican population consumes alcohol regularly. Of particular concern is the 18 to 29 age group, which exhibits the highest consumption rates.

Deputy Espino Suárez points out that alcohol’s effects extend beyond immediate intoxication and impaired judgment. It contributes to approximately 40,000 deaths annually in Mexico, often through traffic accidents, violence, and chronic illnesses. A Ministry of Health study further reveals that individuals who begin drinking before 15 face a greater risk of dependence and substance abuse later in life.

The rationale behind the proposed change centers on the ongoing development of the human brain, which continues to mature until around age 25. Early alcohol exposure can disrupt crucial functions like memory, focus, and decision-making. Deputy Espino Suárez notes the success of similar policies in other countries, such as the United States, which has maintained a 21-year-old drinking age since 1984, leading to reductions in alcohol-related accidents and health issues.

Beyond raising the legal age, the PVEM proposal includes stricter penalties for providing alcohol to underage individuals. Those who encourage or assist alcohol consumption by minors could face imprisonment from 6 to 12 years, and fines ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 days of minimum wage.

With this initiative, the PVEM hopes to protect young people’s health and reduce the social impact of alcohol-related harm. The proposal has sparked discussion among lawmakers and the public, setting the stage for a crucial debate on alcohol regulation in Mexico. https://banderasnews.com/

Casa Bay Villas specializes in luxury villa vacation rentals in Puerto Vallarta and Punta Mita, Mexico. Our villas are spacious and intimate, and our staff will pamper your every need. Whether planning a destination wedding celebration, a vacation with family, or just getting away with friends, let us show you the beauty of Puerto Vallarta in your private villa vacation rental.

Your vacation time is valuable so we inspect every property we represent for the owners.  We know the accommodations, amenities, and staff to help you select the best rental property in Puerto Vallarta.  The result is vacation rentals that won’t leave you with unwanted surprises.

Our private vacation rentals offer a full range of services during your stay from full staff services including a chef who will prepare two meals a day.

Our concierge services will personally contact you with information on activities, tours, or spa services in the privacy of your villa rental, and the best restaurants for dining out in Puerto Vallarta. We have the most current information to guide you for your holiday in Puerto Vallarta from our daily weather report to maps and directions.

For more information about renting a villa in Puerto Vallarta, visit our website at https://www.casabayvillas.com/, email Jennifer at info@casabayvillas.com, or call us at 203.386.8022.

Our mission at Casa Bay Villas is to exceed your expectations, listen to your needs, and assist you in selecting the best villa rental for your vacation in Puerto Vallarta Mexico.

Come…relax and experience the charm and culture of Puerto Vallarta Mexico with quaint cobblestone streets, the fragrant scent of Bougainvillea, beautiful beaches, Mexican cuisine, outstanding golf courses, and a host of activities for everyone to enjoy!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Copyright@ 2025 | All Rights Reserved | Casa Bay Villas | Beautiful Vallarta Weddings | Web Designed & Developed  by Techzo LLC

Scroll to Top