Mexico City – 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.
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