Cancún cracks down on nightclubs serving alcohol to minors

Cancún, Quintana Roo — Emergency responders in Cancún are treating two to three cases daily of minors suffering from alcohol poisoning in the city’s nightclub district, according to paramedics. The issue has sparked concerns over overcrowding and illegal alcohol sales to underage patrons, prompting authorities to prepare enforcement operations.

Overcrowding and Underage Drinking Allegations

Tourists visiting Cancún’s hotel zone reported severe overcrowding in nightclubs, with some abandoning plans to enter due to unsafe conditions. Maribel, a visitor from Costa Rica, stated, “It’s unbelievable what you pay to get into these places, only to find no room to move. I came with friends, but we decided against going in because we feared a tragedy might happen. My underage daughter was given a special bracelet to prevent alcohol sales, but she was still served drinks.”

Greivin, a Salvadoran national residing in the U.S., described a similar experience: “We paid for entry to a bar with a cow statue outside, expecting a special area, but it was impossible to move comfortably. The crowd was overwhelming, yet they kept letting more people in.”

Paramedics Report Rising Cases

Paramedics operating in the area confirmed they routinely treat minors for alcohol poisoning. “We handle at least two cases daily,” one responder said. “The problem is that symptoms often appear after they leave the clubs, on their way back to hotels. Since the medical emergency doesn’t occur on the premises, the establishments face no consequences—even though the minors are wearing the clubs’ identification bracelets.”

Despite bracelets intended to flag underage patrons, enforcement remains lax. Authorities acknowledged that staff frequently ignore the rules, serving alcohol to minors regardless.

Authorities Announce Crackdown

In response, Benito Juárez Municipal Civil Protection has pledged to launch operations targeting nightclubs. The initiative will involve 40 officers monitoring high-traffic venues in the hotel zone and popular downtown locations. Inspections will focus on overcrowding, underage access, and compliance with emergency protocols.

The municipal Civil Protection director emphasized coordination with local, state, and federal agencies: “We have a broad, coordinated operation to ensure constant surveillance and assistance for tourists and residents.”

Background

The report follows prior warnings about rising clandestine parties among minors in Cancún. Data from the Centro de Integración Juvenil (CIJ) revealed that 60% of young alcohol consumers in the city are between 10 and 24 years old.