I’ve been to Cancun a few times. Family trip once. A girls’ weekend too. The sun was easy. The rules about drinking? Not so easy at first. So here’s what I learned the hard way, with real moments that stuck.
The basics I learned fast
- The legal drinking age is 18. Not 21.
- You need ID. Like, actually need it.
For the bigger picture (and how these rules stack up against other tourist hot spots), skim this clear-cut guide to the legal drinking age in Mexico.
My cousin is 19. We tried to buy two beers at an OXXO near La Isla Mall. The clerk asked for his ID. He didn’t have it on him. No sale. I was fine, but he walked out empty-handed and grumpy. Another night at Coco Bongo, the bouncer looked at my driver’s license for a long time. He nodded, then waved me in. My friend used her passport card. That worked too.
If you’re at an all-inclusive, the wristband is your magic pass. But you can’t walk out to the street with a drink. I tried once. I had a pineapple margarita in a plastic cup. Hotel security smiled and said, “For the beach club, yes. For the street, no.” I finished it by the door and laughed at myself. For an even deeper dive into the rules (and a few more cringe-worthy slip-ups), skim through this brutally honest guide to Cancun drinking laws.
Can you drink on the beach or the street?
This part gets tricky. You can drink at licensed places. Bars. Restaurants. Beach clubs. But public drinking on the street? Not allowed. Beaches are public, so that can be a gray area unless it’s a beach club that serves you.
Real moment: At Playa Delfines, I saw a police officer ask a group of guys to pour out their beers. No yelling. No drama. Just the bottle tipped into the sand, then into the trash. Ten minutes later, I walked by Mandala Beach Club. People were sipping cocktails in plastic cups, and it was fine because the club was licensed.
Also, no glass on the beach. A lifeguard told my friend to toss her glass bottle. He pointed to a sign and handed us a clear plastic cup. Fair point—bare feet and glass don’t mix. If you’re mapping out beach days, this no-filter walk-through of the playas de Cancún paints a clear picture of which stretches are laid-back and which lean stricter.
Store hours that caught me off guard
Convenience stores don’t sell alcohol all night. Many places stop around 11 pm. Some supermarkets wrap it up earlier on Sundays. Bars and clubs go much later, but that’s different because they have special permits.
One night, at about 10:50 pm, a 7-Eleven clerk said, “Last beer sales before 11.” We hustled and made it. Another time, during election weekend, I saw “Ley Seca” signs. Dry law. The beer shelves at Chedraui were taped off. We shrugged and bought agua fresca and chips. Not the worst night.
Keep it chill: public drunkenness
It’s not just what you drink. It’s how you act. Loud and messy can get you in trouble. I watched a guy near Forum Beach stagger and yell at no one. Two officers walked him aside. It wasn’t harsh, but it was firm. He sat down and cooled off. (For a cautionary tale, read about the common partying mistake that can get you detained in Cancun—it’s a quick wake-up call.)
In the Hotel Zone, police are around. They’re not there to ruin your trip. But if things get rowdy, they step in.
Don’t drink and drive. Just don’t.
Blvd. Kukulcán has checkpoints at night. I’ve seen them. Our taxi slowed down. Drivers rolled through one by one. Breath test gear on the table. You know what? It felt safe.
A taxi driver told me, “I never drink. Not one beer. My car, my job.” I believed him. We stuck to taxis, hotel shuttles, and the bus to downtown. Easy and cheap. The risk isn’t worth it—fines are high, and cars can get impounded.
Resorts, clubs, and the vibe
Bartenders in Cancun are friendly, but they’re not careless. On day two at our all-inclusive, I asked for my fourth margarita at the pool. The bartender smiled and said, “Water first.” He slid me a big cup of ice water. I laughed, drank it, and felt better. For a chic yet relaxed alternative nearby, you can head to Ceiba del Mar, a Riviera Maya resort where the staff balances wellness vibes with top-shelf pours.
Pool rules vary. Most places allow drinks in plastic cups near the water. No glass. Some pools won’t let you stand on the steps with a drink. Lifeguards watch this. I appreciate that—wet floors and tall drinks are a bad combo.
Some nights, though, you might hit that “I’m sunburnt and done with crowds” wall. If you’d rather enjoy adult entertainment from the comfort of your hotel room instead of braving another loud club, this candid breakdown of the reasons why live sex cams are better than porn lays out how interactive cam sessions can feel more personal, discreet, and even safer than chasing a late-night hookup or scrolling random videos.
Travel itineraries don’t always make sense—one minute you’re sipping coco locos in the Caribbean, the next you’ve got a layover or side trip way up north. If Cancun is just one stop on a larger adventure and you find yourself curious about a totally different nightlife scene in Alaska’s interior, check out what’s available on Listcrawler Fairbanks. The guide breaks down how to navigate local ads, spot legit providers, and stay safe, giving you a clear picture of options before you ever step outside your hotel.
A quick cheat sheet (the stuff I wish I knew)
- Bring ID if you plan to drink. Even if you’re 40.
- 18 is the legal drinking age.
- You can’t drink on the street. Beaches are often a no unless it’s a beach club.
- Stores often stop alcohol sales around 11 pm.
- Election weekends may have a dry law (Ley Seca).
- No glass on the beach. Use plastic.
- Don’t drive after drinking. Use a taxi or shuttle.
- Keep your cool. Don’t be that person.
Little quirks that surprised me
- Leaving a restaurant with a to-go cocktail? Usually no. My waiter poured mine out and gave me a soda for the walk.
- Bartenders will cut you off if you look rough. It’s not personal.
- Resort security is polite, but clear. Street vs. property rules matter.
Final word
I love Cancun. The music, the water, the easy pace. The rules aren’t there to be mean. They keep people safe. Bring your ID. Plan your nights a bit. If you want a beach drink, pick a beach club. If it’s late, go to a bar, not a store. And please, don’t drive.
Do that, and you’ll have a smooth trip—sun, snacks, and just the right buzz.