Ministry of Tourism: Minors under 18 barred from entering amusement venues and nightclubs

The Ministry of Tourism has issued a new circular addressed to tourism establishments, stressing the need to comply with the applicable laws related to the protection of minors and the regulation of their entry into nightlife venues, in addition to banning the serving of alcoholic beverages to anyone under the age of 18.

The ministry said the circular comes within the requirements of the public interest, calling on all tourism establishments that serve food and beverages to adhere strictly to its content, under penalty of legal and administrative measures against violators.

The text of the circular reads as follows:

"Pursuant to the requirements of the public interest,

And pursuant to the provisions of Article One of Decree No. 12222 dated 11/3/1963, which prohibits the entry of persons of both sexes who have not completed 18 years of age into nightclubs, dance halls, bars, and amusement venues by day and by night,

And pursuant to the provisions of Articles 625 and 626 of the Penal Code, which prohibit the serving of alcoholic beverages to persons who have not completed 18 years of age, whether in bars or in any tourism establishment or place open to the public,

Therefore,

All tourism establishments that serve food and beverages, regardless of their category, are requested to refrain from serving, selling, or handing over any spirituous or alcoholic drink to any person under the age of 18, under penalty of the appropriate legal and administrative measures being taken against the violating establishment, in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations.

It is also prohibited to admit persons of both sexes who have not completed 18 years of age into nightclubs, dance halls, bars, and amusement venues by day and by night.

This circular shall take effect as of the date of its issuance, and all concerned are requested to comply fully with its content.

Any violation of the provisions of this circular shall expose the perpetrator to prosecution and to the administrative measures stipulated in the applicable laws and regulations, including the drafting of violation reports and the proposal of appropriate penalties where necessary."