Drinking age in Sonora (2026)
Last reviewed: 29 October 2026
In short: Sonora bars sale or supply of alcohol to anyone under 18. Hours are set by the state Executive through general provisions.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Minimum age to buy beer and wineBuying and drinking alcohol | 18 years [1] |
| Minimum age to buy spiritsBuying and drinking alcohol | 18 years [1] |
| Drinking by younger people with an adultBuying and drinking alcohol | Alcohol may not be sold or supplied to anyone under 18 'in any case and in any way'. Staff must check majority of age by official photo identification. The text read states no exception. [1] |
| Where and when alcohol is soldBuying and drinking alcohol | Establishments follow the hours set by the law or by the state Executive in general provisions published in the Boletín Oficial; only the Executive may grant provisional extensions. [1] |
| Drinking in public placesBuying and drinking alcohol | Sale and consumption of alcohol are strictly prohibited on public roads, in parks and in public squares, unless the competent authority issues a special permit. The ban also covers vehicles in circulation or parked in squares, parks and public roads, and the inside and outside of public sports facilities. [1] |
Notes
- The age rule comes from the state law as compiled by the Orden Jurídico Nacional. Federal rules (Ley General de Salud art. 220) and municipal rules also apply.
- Municipal regulations and the compiled text's date should be checked; later reforms may exist.
- Read in the Sonora alcohol law as compiled by the Orden Jurídico Nacional (text including the reforms in force from 1 January 2022). Further places are listed in Art. 22 (schools, places of worship, hospitals, and others). Municipal rules may add to this.
Sources
- Orden Jurídico Nacional (Secretaría de Gobernación): Ley que regula la Operación y Funcionamiento de los establecimientos destinados a la Fabricación, Envasamiento, Distribución, Almacenamiento, Transportación, Venta y Consumo de bebidas alcohólicas en el Estado de Sonora (Orden Jurídico Nacional, text incl. reforms to 2022) (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
National rules that also apply
These rules are set at national level in Mexico and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for Mexico
| Minimum age to buy beer and wine | 18 years (source: Orden Jurídico Nacional (Secretaría de Gobernación)) |
|---|---|
| Minimum age to buy spirits | 18 years (source: Orden Jurídico Nacional (Secretaría de Gobernación)) |
| Drinking by younger people with an adult | The Ley General de Salud says alcohol may not be sold or supplied to people under 18 'in any case and in any way'. It states no exception, for example for a parent's consent. (source: Orden Jurídico Nacional (Secretaría de Gobernación)) |
More rules in Sonora
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 18 (permit from 16)
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, driver and passengers · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes, driver and passengers
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.