What Is The Drinking Age In Puerto Rico? - Culture of the whole world

1. Introduction – Data from national roadside surveys show that driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) is declining in the U.S. population. For instance, the proportion of weekend nighttime drivers with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of,08 g/dL or higher decreased from 7.5% in 1973 to 1.5% in 2013–2014 ( Berning, Compton, & Wochinger, 2015 ).

Unfortunately, these trend data are not available for Puerto Rico; but DUI arrest data are available.
In 2012, the last year for which data for Puerto Rico are available, the DUI arrest rate was 221.6/100,000 population ( Puerto Rico Traffic Safety Commission, 2014 ).
In the U.S., in this same year, the arrest rate was 406.4/100,000, almost two times higher than the rate in Puerto Rico ( Puerto Rico Traffic Safety Commission, 2014 ).

However, arrest rates are not ideal indicators of DUI rates in a population. These rates are influenced by existing DUI laws, the extent to which police enforce the laws and driving and drinking behavior in the population. There is some similarity between DUI-related laws in Puerto Rico and the U.S.

mainland, but there are also differences. For example, the legal drinking age in Puerto Rico is 18, and for those 18–20 years of age, BAC levels must be lower than,02. g/dL. In contrast, on the U.S. mainland, the legal drinking age is 21, and for 18–20-year-old drivers, the BAC must be zero. Given the importance of DUI as a public health problem, the lack of updated information about DUI rates in Puerto Rico is surprising and unfortunate.

Puerto Rico has received little attention from the U.S. federal government regarding research on the effects of substance use. The island has not been part of the sample in SAMHSA’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health, nor of the NIAAA’s four national surveys conducted in 1992 (National Longitudinal Alcohol Epidemiologic Survey – NLAES), and 2002/2003, 2005/2006, 2012/2013 (National Epidemiologic Study of Alcohol Related Conditions – NESARC I, II and III).

Puerto Rico participates in the CDC’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), but the special questionnaire module that covers drinking and driving apparently has not been used there.
To address this lack of information on DUI on the island, this paper examines 12-month rates of self-reported DUI without an arrest (hereafter, self-reported DUI), self-reported 12-month DUI arrest rates (hereafter, DUI arrest), and self-reported lifetime DUI arrest rates (hereafter, lifetime DUI arrest) in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

In addition, this paper examines selected alcohol-related data for drinkers who reported DUI compared to those who did not report such events. Sociodemographic and drinking-related correlates of DUI and lifetime DUI arrests are identified. Attitudes about DUI as a problem and knowledge of DUI laws are also examined.

Given the foci of the analyses, the hypotheses to be tested are as follows: Regarding attitudes and knowledge of DUI laws, those who self-report DUI will be less likely to see DUI as a problem, and their knowledge of DUI laws will be lower than those not self-reporting DUI. Regarding sociodemographic correlates of DUI, a higher number of hours of driving/day, male gender, younger age, more liberal drinking norms, more positive attitudes about drinking, illicit drug use, and lower income will be positively related to both self-reported DUI without an arrest and lifetime arrest for DUI; unemployment and non-participation in the workforce will be protective against DUI ( Caetano, Ramisetty-Mikler, & Rodriguez, 2008a, 2008b ; Caetano, Vaeth, & Mills, 2013 ).

Understanding general attitudes toward DUI and assessing population knowledge about this behavior allows public policy officials to know whether this problem is recognized as such and whether the community is receptive to public policies to address DUI.

This also provides information about whether community members think that engaging in DUI is a serious threat to themselves and the community.
Identifying sociodemographic correlates of DUI assists in targeting DUI-related prevention and intervention efforts to population subgroups who are at risk of engaging in this behavior.

This may lead to more effective prevention efforts in San Juan, and perhaps Puerto Rico as a whole.

Contents

1 Can you go to bars at 18 in Puerto Rico?
- - 1.0.1 Can an 18 year old buy alcohol in Puerto Rico?
2 Do they check ID in Puerto Rico?
3 Is public drinking legal in Puerto Rico?
- - 3.0.1 Can you drink at 16 in Puerto Rico?
4 Can a 16 year old go to Puerto Rico?
5 Is 18 a minor in Puerto Rico?
6 Can you drink at 18 anywhere in the US?
7 Can you smoke on the beach in Puerto Rico?
- 7.1 Can a 17 year old travel to Puerto Rico alone?
8 Can you smoke in Puerto Rico at 18?
- 8.1 Is 18 a minor in Puerto Rico?
  - 8.1.1 Does Puerto Rico ID at bars?
9 Do bars ID in Puerto Rico?

Can you go to bars at 18 in Puerto Rico?

What is the capital of Puerto Rico? – The capital of Puerto Rico is San Juan, located on the northeastern coast of the island. The population of San Juan is just over 355,000 people. San Juan has several main neighborhoods: Old San Juan, Puerta de Tierra, Condado, Ocean Park, Punta Las Marías, Miramar, Santurce, Hato Rey, and Río Piedras. One of Puerto Rico’s many majestic mountain views. The drinking age in Puerto Rico is 18, but to enter some bars and clubs you must be 21 or up.

Can an 18 year old buy alcohol in Puerto Rico?

The drinking age in Puerto Rico is 18. You must be 18 years old to purchase, consume and carry alcohol.

Do they check ID in Puerto Rico?

So, Do I Need a Passport to Visit Puerto Rico? – In summary: Not exactly. Puerto Rico passport requirements state that though a passport isn’t required to enter the country, proof of citizenship, such as a driver’s license, is still necessary. Depending on where you live, you may go to your local courthouse, passport office, or at times a USPS post office to get a passport.

Online resources are available to find passport locations/offices in your state or county. In addition, the United States and most countries now have an official government website at which you can apply or download an application online. Apply well in advance, since some offices may take a few weeks to a month to process the application.

Most also offer expedited services for an additional fee. Keep a copy of your passport and visas separate from your original and also have one at home during your travels just in case you lose them. Also, make a copy of your driver’s license. If you lose your passport, notify the police immediately.

Is public drinking legal in Puerto Rico?

Kioscos – Snacking is a Puerto Rican passion, and the island’s cocina en kiosco provides a highly addictive (if coronary-inducing) plethora of deep-fried delights to savour. Roadside stalls, generally known as kioscos (also kioskos ) are some of the best places to try cheap Puerto Rican food: some kioscos are collected together in areas on highways (such as those in Luquillo), along the coast (in Piñones) or in the mountains (Guavate), but you’ll find individual stalls all over the island and in many town plazas.

In larger towns, the market ( mercado ) is the best place to seek out no-frills snack stalls, as well as sellers of fresh fruit and coconut juices, while almost every town and village has a local café or bar that sells similar fare along with potent cups of coffee and cold beer. The most common kiosco food ( cocina en kiosco ) is deep-fried fritters, especially bacalaítos, thin and crunchy cod fritters, battered with garlic, oregano and sweet chilli, and alcapurrias (mashed yautia root and green plantain, stuffed with ground meat and fried).

Other favourites are rellenos de papa (ground meat and mashed potato balls), empanadillas (turnovers filled with meat, more crispy than the Mexican version) and deep-fried tacos, more like Chinese spring rolls than Mexican-style filled tortillas. See the Language section for a complete menu reader.

Tap water in Puerto Rico is technically safe to drink, though locals have mixed feelings about it: it’s treated so it should be clean, but the amount of chemicals in the water means you that may prefer to use a filter.
Note also that after heavy rains some of the supply can get contaminated, so tap water is best avoided at these times.

If in doubt, stick to bottled water, which is cheap and easily available. Soft drinks and juices The full range of soft drinks and carton juices are available from shops, cafés and supermarkets in Puerto Rico, but far more tempting are natural juices, such as jugo de china (orange juice), and batidas (fruit shakes), sold from stalls all over the island.

Coconut juice ( agua de coco ) is also best experienced fresh, from small vendors at local markets or from private sellers and roadside stalls in the country. Other local drinks to watch out for are parcha (made from passion fruit) and tamarindo, the sour-sweet juice made from tamarind. On a sweltering day, nothing provides relief like a piragua, shaved ice drizzled with syrup and sold for around $1 from brightly decorated carts all over the island.

For a real local experience, seek out maví, a fermented drink made from tree bark and often described as root beer. Primarily a home-made drink sold at markets and food stalls in towns, or from private houses in the country, you’ll have to ask around to find the best supplier.

Coffee Puerto Rico has produced some of the best coffee in the world since the nineteenth century, and the island is beginning to win back international respect for its small gourmet brands.
The lush Central Cordillera cradles over ten thousand coffee farms, most selling beans to just two large roasters: Grupo Jiménez (which produces Café Rico, Café Yauco Selecto, and the most successful brand, Café Yaucono) and Garrido & Co (Café Crema and Café Adjuntas).

Collectively they control around ninety percent of the domestic market and often dominate supermarket shelves, but a growing number of smaller cooperatives cultivate, process and sell their own coffee. You can visit many of these mountain fincas and buy whole or ground beans directly from them, though drinking coffee in cafés and restaurants is another story: most of these are supplied by the mass producers, and sometimes you’ll be drinking coffee that hasn’t even been grown on the island.

Café can be ordered con leche (with milk), negrito con azúcar (black with sugar) or just cortao (with a drop of milk) and puya (no sugar).
For decaf, ask for sin cafeína or just descafeinado,
Tea is available in some places, usually the imported black or herbal varieties you’d expect to find in the US, but Puerto Ricans are not big tea drinkers.

Alcohol Puerto Rico’s favourite drink and one of its biggest exports is rum ( ron ), a potent spirit often served with Coke (rum and Coke with a wedge of lemon or lime is called a Cuba libre ) and various liquors to create all sorts of mind-bending cocktails.

Buying rum in supermarkets is much cheaper than in the US and Europe, with decent bottles of the main brands around $10.
Puerto Rico once had hundreds of small, family-owned distilleries, but only two operate today.
The largest by far is Bacardi, which produces its signature Superior brand as well as various fruit- and coconut-laced flavours at its plant in Cataño.

The other producer and only home-grown Puerto Rican distiller is Ponce-based Destilería Serrallés, which produces the Don Q brand of rums. Ron del Barrilito is now the most respected independent brand on the island, though it has to buy raw product from Bacardi.

Puerto Rico’s national cocktail is the piña colada, supposedly created in a San Juan hotel in the 1950s, and you’ll also see sangría served in bars and restaurants, particularly on the west coast: the Puerto Rican version is usually a potent rum cocktail mixed with fruit juices.
Puerto Rican beer is less appealing, now represented solely by the Medalla brand, produced in Mayagüez by Cervecería India, a light lager that’s refreshing enough on a hot day but nothing special.

Presidente beer from the Dominican Republic is almost as prevalent. Imported beers tend to follow the traditional US school of light, Budweiser-type brews, and it’s hard to find a wider selection of real ales and microbrews, even in San Juan. Note that the legal drinking age in Puerto Rico is 18, but it is strictly forbidden to drink on the streets (the beach is fine).

Can you drink at 16 in Puerto Rico?

Unfortunately, these trend data are not available for Puerto Rico; but DUI arrest data are available.
In 2012, the last year for which data for Puerto Rico are available, the DUI arrest rate was 221.6/100,000 population ( Puerto Rico Traffic Safety Commission, 2014 ).
In the U.S., in this same year, the arrest rate was 406.4/100,000, almost two times higher than the rate in Puerto Rico ( Puerto Rico Traffic Safety Commission, 2014 ).

mainland, but there are also differences. For example, the legal drinking age in Puerto Rico is 18, and for those 18–20 years of age, BAC levels must be lower than,02. g/dL. In contrast, on the U.S. mainland, the legal drinking age is 21, and for 18–20-year-old drivers, the BAC must be zero. Given the importance of DUI as a public health problem, the lack of updated information about DUI rates in Puerto Rico is surprising and unfortunate.

Puerto Rico participates in the CDC’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), but the special questionnaire module that covers drinking and driving apparently has not been used there.
To address this lack of information on DUI on the island, this paper examines 12-month rates of self-reported DUI without an arrest (hereafter, self-reported DUI), self-reported 12-month DUI arrest rates (hereafter, DUI arrest), and self-reported lifetime DUI arrest rates (hereafter, lifetime DUI arrest) in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

You might be interested: What Happens If Car T-Cell Therapy Fails?

Given the foci of the analyses, the hypotheses to be tested are as follows: Regarding attitudes and knowledge of DUI laws, those who self-report DUI will be less likely to see DUI as a problem, and their knowledge of DUI laws will be lower than those not self-reporting DUI.
Regarding sociodemographic correlates of DUI, a higher number of hours of driving/day, male gender, younger age, more liberal drinking norms, more positive attitudes about drinking, illicit drug use, and lower income will be positively related to both self-reported DUI without an arrest and lifetime arrest for DUI; unemployment and non-participation in the workforce will be protective against DUI ( Caetano, Ramisetty-Mikler, & Rodriguez, 2008a, 2008b ; Caetano, Vaeth, & Mills, 2013 ).

This also provides information about whether community members think that engaging in DUI is a serious threat to themselves and the community.
Identifying sociodemographic correlates of DUI assists in targeting DUI-related prevention and intervention efforts to population subgroups who are at risk of engaging in this behavior.

This may lead to more effective prevention efforts in San Juan, and perhaps Puerto Rico as a whole.

Can a 16 year old go to Puerto Rico?

Do Minors Need A Passport When Traveling To Puerto Rico? – No. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), minors (under 18) do not require a passport when traveling domestically. In addition, considering the fact that Puerto Rico is classified as a US territory, minors won’t need to provide any identification documents when traveling.

I should mention that this is only applicable when the minor is traveling with a companion (an adult).
In the case of minors traveling with a companion, the companion will need to provide a valid ID such as a driver’s license or passport ID.
Unfortunately, the TSA does not specify the requirements for minors traveling alone.

Therefore, it’s best to contact the airline before traveling to Puerto Rico regarding ID requirements (you may need to submit other documents such as a birth certificate).

Is 18 a minor in Puerto Rico?

For pur- poses of mandatory reporting law, ‘minor’ means any person who is not yet eighteen years old.P.R.

Can you drink at 18 anywhere in the US?

National Minimum Drinking Age Act – The passage of the National Minimum Drinking Age Act enacted a federal minimum drinking age that all states are required to adhere to in order to receive certain types of federal funding. There are many local and state-based exceptions to the minimum legal drinking age (MLDA) of 21, however.

Do bars ID in Puerto Rico?

The legal drinking age of Puerto Rico is 18 years. Note: that if you look too young you will be asked to show an ID.

Does Puerto Rico ID at bars?

Do you need an ID to drink in Puerto Rico? – It is not a requirement to drink in Puerto Rico. Some bars may not be strict, but when they do, one may be required to show proof of identity proving you are of legal drinking age. This is because looks can be deceiving, and some youngsters might want a taste of that forbidden alcohol earlier than when they are allowed to.

Is Puerto Rico expensive to vacation?

What is the average daily budget for a trip to Puerto Rico? – The average daily budget for a trip to Puerto Rico can vary widely depending on your travel style and preferences. However, a reasonable estimate is around $100 to $150 per day, which includes accommodations, food, transportation, and activities. Of course, this can be higher or lower depending on your choices.

Can you smoke in bars in Puerto Rico?

Louisiana –

Statewide smoking ban excluding bars : On January 1, 2007, SB 742 went into effect, banning smoking in all schools, workplaces, and public places, including restaurants. The law exempts bars (food establishments where the majority of sales are derived from alcohol), private residences and automobiles except those when used as a healthcare or childcare facility, limousines under private hire, designated hotel/motel smoking rooms, retail tobacco shops, outdoor areas, private and semiprivate rooms of nursing homes occupied exclusively by smokers, casino gaming floors, workplaces of tobacco-related businesses such as manufacturers and distributors, convention and banquet facilities rented out to private parties, and correctional facilities (until August 1, 2009). Local governments may regulate smoking more strictly than the state. Prior to this ordinance, six localities had smoking provisions that exempted restaurants, but were later superseded by the Act once it had gone into effect, and localities were prohibited from regulating or prohibiting smoking in bars and restaurants as well.
Abbeville, January 1, 2015, banned in all enclosed public places, including bars and gaming establishments
Alexandria, January 2, 2012, banned in all enclosed public places, including bars and gaming establishments
Baton Rouge, June 1, 2018, banned in all enclosed public places, including bars and gaming establishments
Bogalusa, December 21, 2016, banned in all enclosed public places, including bars and gaming establishments
Boyce, June 14, 2019, banned in all enclosed public places, including bars and gaming establishments
Cheneyville, June 7, 2014, banned in all enclosed public places, including bars and gaming establishments
Colfax, June 8, 2017, banned in all enclosed public places, including bars and gaming establishments
Cullen, May 1, 2019, banned in all enclosed public places, including bars and gaming establishments
Fenton, May 9, 2019, banned in all enclosed public places, including bars and gaming establishments
Glenmora, March 15, 2017, banned in all enclosed public places, including bars and gaming establishments
Hammond, July 20, 2015, banned in all enclosed public places, including bars and gaming establishments
Lafayette Parish, April 27, 2017, banned in all enclosed public places, including bars and gaming establishments
Lecompte, December 10, 2017, banned in all enclosed public places, including bars and gaming establishments
McNary, July 4, 2018, banned in all enclosed public places, including bars and gaming establishments
Monroe, January 2, 2014, banned in all enclosed public places, including bars and gaming establishments
New Orleans, April 22, 2015, banned in all enclosed public places, including bars and gaming establishments
Ouachita Parish, January 2, 2014, banned in all enclosed public places, including bars and gaming establishments
Pineville, February 12, 2019, banned in all enclosed public places, including bars and gaming establishments
Ponchatoula, May 12, 2019, banned in all enclosed public places, including bars and gaming establishments
Roseland, August 19, 2018, banned in all enclosed public places, including bars and gaming establishments
Ruston, April 1, 2019, banned in all enclosed public places, including bars and gaming establishments
Shreveport, August 1, 2021, banned in all enclosed public places, including bars and gaming establishments
West Monroe, January 2, 2014, banned in all enclosed public places, including bars and gaming establishments
Woodworth, April 15, 2012, banned in all enclosed public places, including bars and gaming establishments

Do you tip in Puerto Rico?

Puerto Rico TIpping In the U.S. tipping is customary and expected for everything from lackluster to outstanding service. It is an etiquette that is ingrained in all trades, from wait staff at restaurants to our baristas, valets, cab drivers, porters, and many more trades.

The questions `when?` and `how much?` that surround tipping can leave some travelers confused, as the practice varies. This guide attempts to cover most situations that you, as a tourist, will encounter. Hopefully using these `tips` will provide a smooth experience when interacting with locals in restaurants, bars, hotels, tour operators, and taxis.

Tipping in Puerto Rico is just as common as in the U.S. It is part of the service economy and taxation system. Tipping is generally the same as it would be here in the United States. Gratuity may be included in bills in restaurants for parties of six or more.

Currency: Can I pay in U.S.
Dollars? The unit of currency in Puerto Rico is the United States Dollar.
Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand upon arrival.
Currency exchange desks and ATM’s can be found at the airport and many locations throughout the city.
Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars: When should I tip? How much is customary? Tipping in restaurants in Puerto Rico goes by the same rule as in the U.S.

First be sure to check for an added service charge or gratuity on your bill, if this isn’t already included then you should tip 15-20% of the total bill. Add more for exceptional service. Tip bartenders $1 – $2 per round or 15 – 20% of the total bill. It is traditional and considerate to tip in cash in Puerto Rico to assure your service staff receives this tip.

However, tipping on a credit card is perfectly acceptable.
Hotel Staff: Who should I tip? Check your bill as sometimes certain hotels may add a 5%-15% service charge.
Tipping in hotels in Puerto Rico is common and porters should be tipped around $1 per bag, housekeeping $2 – $5 per day.
Taxi Drivers: Should I tip? Yes, tipping taxi drivers is common practice in Puerto Rico and 10%-15% of the total should be sufficient.

Tour Guides: Is a tip required? Tipping your tour guide between 15-20% is advised by not required in Puerto Rico. There are many companies providing services on the island and you may want to consider tipping the people who help you on your day trips and excursions.

Miscellaneous; is there anywhere else I should be aware of to tip in Puerto Rico? Tipping throughout Puerto Rico is very common, just like in the USA, so be expected to tip when visiting salons, spas, and other service industries.
Normally the rule of 15%-20% of the total bill is the general rule.
Remember that it is perfectly okay to abstain, especially if you are not happy with the service provided.

This is also true for hotel staff, however, if you should encounter a problem with the service within the hotel, we highly recommend speaking with the manager. When paying for services in cash (which we generally recommend for services other than your hotel) remember to take your receipt.

Can you drink Puerto Rico tap water?

Both the CDC and World Health Organization say that Puerto Rico’s drinking water is generally safe to drink. Travel advisors expand on that, pointing out that as a territory of the United States Puerto Rico must meet the same standards for drinking water as the States do.

Can you smoke in Puerto Rico at 18?

Notes –

^ The minimum legal age to purchase tobacco is aligned with Alabama’s age of majority and was lowered from 21 to 19 in 1976. ^ Since 2019, the smoking age in Alabama has been 21 under federal law. State law raised the smoking age to 21 in 2021 to align federal and state law. ^ The smoking age in Alaska was 18 upon joining the United States in 1959. ^ The smoking age in Alaska was 16 in 1988. ^ The smoking age in Alaska was raised from 16 to 19 sometime between 1988–2022. Since 2019, the smoking age in Alaska has been 21 under federal law. Under current state law, it is 19. In 2022, Governor Dunleavy vetoed a bill raising the smoking age. ^ Since 2019, the smoking age in American Samoa has been 21 under federal law. Under current territorial law, it is 18. ^ The smoking age in Arizona was 18 in 1988. Since 2019, the smoking age in Arizona has been 21 under federal law. Under current state law, it is 18. A spokeswomen for the attorney general of Arizona said in 2020 that their office could not enforce the federal law. ^ The smoking age in Arkansas was 18 in 1988. ^ The smoking age was raised to 21 by the Arkansas General Assembly in 2019 three weeks prior to the federal Tobacco 21 law. It included a grandfather clause that exempted adults born before December 31, 2000. After the passage of the federal Tobacco 21 law, Governor Asa Hutchinson announced that Arkansas would be enforcing federal law which did not include a grandfather clause. ^ The smoking age in California was 16 prior to 1911. ^ The smoking age in California was raised from 18 to 21 in 2016 and it included an exemption for military personnel 18–20. ^ Colorado temporarily repealed its MLA in the 1960s and 70s. ^ The smoking age in Colorado was 18 in 1988. ^ Since 2019, the smoking age in Colorado has been 21 under federal law. State law raised the smoking age to 21 in 2020 to align with federal law. ^ The smoking age was raised in Connecticut from 18 to 21 in 2019 two months prior to the passage of the federal Tobacco 21 law. ^ The smoking age was raised in Delaware from 18 to 21 in 2019 seven months prior to the passage of the federal Tobacco 21 law. ^ The smoking age in Florida was 18 in 1988. ^ Since 2019, the smoking age in Florida has been 21 under federal law. State law raised the smoking age to 21 in 2021 to align federal and state law. ^ Since 2019, the smoking age in Georgia has been 21 under federal law. State law raised the smoking age to 21 in 2020 to align federal and state law. ^ The smoking age in Hawaii was 15 in 1963. ^ The smoking age in Hawaii was 18 in 1988. ^ The smoking age in Hawaii was raised from 18 to 21 in 2016. ^ Since 2019, the smoking age in Idaho has been 21 under federal law. State law raised the smoking age to 21 in 2022 to align federal and state law. ^ The smoking age was raised by the Illinois General Assembly to 21 in 2019 five months prior to the federal Tobacco 21 law. ^ Since 2019, the smoking age in Indiana has been 21 under federal law. State law raised the smoking age to 21 in 2020 to align federal and state law. ^ Since 2019, the smoking age in Iowa has been 21 under federal law. State law raised the smoking age to 21 in 2020 to align federal and state law. ^ The smoking age in Kansas was 18 in 1988. Since 2019, the smoking age in Kansas has been 21 under federal law. Under state law, it is 18. ^ Since 2019, the smoking age in Kentucky has been 21 under federal law. State law raised the smoking age to 21 in 2020 to align federal and state law. ^ Since 2019, the smoking age in Louisiana has been 21 under federal law. State law raised the smoking age to 21 in 2021 to align federal and state law. ^ The smoking age in Maine was 18 in 1988. ^ The smoking age was raised in Maryland from 18 to 21 in 2019 one month prior to the passage of the Tobacco 21 federal law. It included an exemption for military members 18–20. ^ The smoking age in Massachusetts was 18 in 1988. ^ The smoking age in Michigan was 17 in 1988. ^ Since 2019, the smoking age in Michigan was 21 under federal law. State law raised the smoking age to 21 in 2020 to align federal and state law. ^ The smoking age in Minnesota was 18 in 1988. ^ Since 2019, the smoking age in Minnesota was 21 under federal law. State law raised the smoking age to 21 in 2020 to align federal and state law. ^ The smoking age in Mississippi was 18 in 1988. ^ Since 2019, the smoking age in Mississippi was 21 under federal law. State law raised the smoking age to 21 in 2020 to align federal and state law. ^ The smoking age in Missouri was 18 in 1988. Since 2019, the smoking age in Missouri has been 21. Under state law, it is 18. ^ Since 2019, the smoking age in Montana was 21 under federal law. State law raised the smoking age to 21 in 2020 to align federal and state law. ^ The smoking age in Nebraska was 18 in 1988. ^ Since 2019, the smoking age in Nebraska was 21 under federal law. State law raised the smoking age to 21 in 2022 to align federal and state law. ^ The smoking age in Nevada was 18 in 1988. ^ Since 2019, the smoking age in Nevada was 21 under federal law. State law raised the smoking age to 21 in 2021 to align federal and state law. ^ The smoking age in Nevada was 18 in 1988. ^ The smoking age in New Hampshire was raised from 18 to 19 sometime between 1988–2020. ^ Since 2019, the smoking age in New Hampshire was 21 under federal law. State law raised the smoking age to 21 in 2020 to align federal and state law. ^ The smoking age in New Jersey was 16 in 1883 and in 1988. ^ The smoking age in New Jersey was raised from 16 to 18 sometime between 1998–2006. ^ The smoking age in New Jersey was raised from 18 to 19 in 2006. ^ Since 2019, the smoking age in New Mexico was 21 under federal law. State law raised the smoking age to 21 in 2020 to align federal and state law. ^ The smoking age in New York was 16 in 1886. ^ The smoking age in New York was raised from 16 to 18 sometime between 1886–1988. ^ The smoking age was raised to 21 by the New York State Legislature and signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo in 2019 five months prior to the federal Tobacco 21 law. The governor stated: “By raising the smoking age from 18 to 21, we can stop cigarettes and e-cigarettes from getting into the hands of young people in the first place and prevent an entire generation of New Yorkers from forming costly and potentially deadly addictions,” ^ The smoking age in North Carolina was 18 in 1988. Since 2019, the smoking age in North Carolina has been 21 under federal law. Under current state law, it is 18. In 2020, some tobacco shops started to complied with federal law while others only complied with state law. An officer with the North Carolina Department of Public Safety described the conflicting laws: “We’re in limbo trying to figure out what we can and cannot do,” ^ The smoking age in North Dakota was 18 in 1988. ^ Since 2019, the smoking age in North Dakota has been 21 under federal law. State law raised the smoking age to 21 in 2021 to align federal and state law. ^ Since 2019, the smoking age in the Northern Mariana Islands has been 21 under federal law. Under current territorial law, it is 18. ^ The smoking age in Ohio was 18 in 1939. ^ The smoking age was raised to 21 by the Ohio General Assembly in 2019 five months prior to the federal Tobacco 21 law. ^ The smoking age in Oklahoma was 18 in 1988. ^ Since 2019, the smoking age in Oklahoma has been 21 under federal law. State law raised the smoking age to 21 in 2020 to align federal and state law. ^ Tobacco was banned by a constitutional amendment in Oregon in 1920. ^ Oregon temporarily repealed its ban on selling tobacco to minors in 1955. ^ The smoking age in Oregon was 18 in 1988. ^ The smoking age in Pennsylvania was 16 in 1988. ^ The smoking age in Pennsylvania was raised from 16 to 18 sometime between 1988–2020. ^ Since 2019, the smoking age in Pennsylvania has been 21 under federal law. State law raised the smoking age to 21 in 2020 to align federal and state law. State law included an exemption for military personnel 18–20. ^ Since 2019, the smoking age in the Puerto Rico has been 21 under federal law. Under current territorial law, it is 18. ^ The smoking age in Rhode Island was 16 in 1939. ^ The smoking age in Rhode Island was 18 in 1988. ^ Since 2019, the smoking age in Rhode Island has been 21 under federal law. State law raised the smoking age to 21 in 2021 to align federal and state law. ^ The smoking age in South Carolina was 18 in 1988. Since 2019, the smoking age in South Carolina has been 21 under federal law. Under current state law, it is 18. ^ The smoking age in South Dakota was 18 in 1988. Since 2019, the smoking age in South Dakota has been 21 under federal law. Under current state law, it is 18. ^ The smoking age in Tennessee was 21 before the 1970s. There were efforts to lower it to 18/19 in the 1960s. ^ The smoking age in Tennessee was 18 in 1988. ^ Since 2019, the smoking age in Tennessee has been 21 under federal law. State law raised the smoking age to 21 in 2021 to align federal and state law. ^ The smoking age in Texas was 16 in 1988. ^ The smoking age in Texas was raised from 16 to 18 in 1989. ^ The smoking age was raised to 21 by the Texas Legislature four months prior to the federal Tobacco 21 law. State law included a grandfather clause that exempted adults born before August 31, 2001, and an exemption for military personnel 18–20. ^ Since 2019, the smoking age in the Puerto Rico has been 21 under federal law. Under current territorial law, it is 18. ^ The smoking age in Utah prior to 1953 was 21. ^ The smoking age in Utah was lowered from 21 to 19 in 1953. ^ The smoking age was raised to 21 by the Utah State Legislature ten months prior to the federal Tobacco 21 law. State law included an exemption for military personnel and their spouses and dependents 19–20. ^ The smoking age in Vermont was 17 in 1988. ^ The smoking age in Vermont was raised from 17 to 18 sometime between 1988–2019. ^ The smoking age was raised to 21 by the Vermont General Assembly three months prior to the federal Tobacco 21 law. ^ The smoking age was 16 in 1988. ^ The smoking age in Vermont was raised from 16 to 18 sometime between 1988–2019. ^ The smoking age was raised to 21 by the Virginia General Assembly five months prior to the federal Tobacco 21 law. ^ The smoking age in Washington was 21 before the 1970s. There were efforts to lower it to 18/19 in the 1960s. ^ The smoking age in Washington was 18 in 1988. ^ Since 2019, the smoking age in Washington has been 21 under federal law. State law raised the smoking age to 21 in 2020 to align federal and state law. ^ The smoking age in West Virginia was 18 in 1988. Since 2019, the smoking age in West Virginia has been 21 under federal law. Under current state law, it is 18. ^ The smoking age in Wisconsin was raised to 18 sometime between 1988–2022. Since 2019, the smoking age in Wisconsin has been 21 under federal law. Under current state law, it is 18. In 2022, a bill to amend state law to raise the smoking age to 21 passed in the Wisconsin State Assembly and is pending in the state senate. ^ The smoking age in Wyoming was raised to 18 sometime between 1988–2020. ^ Since 2019, the smoking age in Wisconsin has been 21 under federal law. State law raised the smoking age to 21 in 2020 to align federal and state law.

You might be interested: What Happened To Shea On Bargain Block?

Does Puerto Rico use USD?

Facts about Puerto Rico Get to know some basic facts about Puerto Rico. Since Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States, locals are American citizens, and American travelers can enter the Island without carrying a passport. Nor do U.S. travelers require international calling plans for their phones. The currency used in Puerto Rico is the U.S. dollar.

Can you legally drink in Mexico at 16?

The minimum legal drinking age in Mexico is 18 years old. Mexico requires that young adults show photo identification, either a passport or driver’s license, as proof of age when buying alcohol.

Can you smoke on the beach in Puerto Rico?

Smoking in all public places is a violation of Puerto Rico Law 66.

Can a 17 year old travel to Puerto Rico alone?

Yes. Children (we call them Unaccompanied Minors) of certain ages can travel alone on direct domestic flights (including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands). The itinerary must include only direct or through flights with no change of aircraft required.

International locations are not included in unaccompanied minor travel.
We’ll make sure your young flier is taken care of onboard and offered a snack and drink.
View our current Unaccompanied Minor charge here.
IMPORTANT : Unaccompanied Minors are not allowed to travel on international flights.
MINORS TRAVELING DOMESTICALLY (Includes Puerto Rico, and the U.S.

Virgin Islands)

Age of Minor	Unaccompanied Minors
4 Years and Younger	Children 4 years old and younger may not travel alone. Another guest at least 15 years of age must accompany them.
5-14 Years	Children 5-14 years old must travel as an Unaccompanied Minor when not traveling with an adult at least 15 years old. Unaccompanied Minors are accepted only on direct flights which do not require a change of aircraft or flight number.
15 Years and Older	Guests 15 years old and older are not required to have Unaccompanied Minor service, but they may be asked to present a picture ID or birth certificate to verify their age. The Unaccompanied Minor service charge will be collected for Guests 15 and older if the service is requested.

Guidelines The following are guidelines that must be followed when a child is flying as an Unaccompanied Minor:

When making a reservation, please advise us that the booking is for an Unaccompanied Minor. Please check in at the ticket counter at least 60 minutes prior to departure. At check-in, an Unaccompanied Minor form must be completed at the airport by drop-off parent/guardian with photo identification before we can accept the child for travel. This form will be inserted into the lanyard we provide that the Unaccompanied Minor must wear throughout the entire flight, and is needed for Spirit Airlines employees to identify Unaccompanied Minors. The person dropping off the child at the airport should request a gate pass at the ticket counter, escort the child to the gate, and remain in the gate area with the Unaccompanied Minor until after the flight takes off. Gate passes will only be issued to non-traveling individuals who present a Government-issued photo ID. The person dropping off the child must remain at the gate for 15 minutes after the flight takes off. The child will be pre-boarded and identified to the Flight Attendant as an Unaccompanied Minor. Unaccompanied Minors arriving too late to be pre-boarded may be boarded last to ensure the introduction to the Flight Attendant. The pick-up parent/guardian designated on the Unaccompanied Minor Form must arrive at the destination airport early to get a Gate Pass from the ticket counter and be at the gate for aircraft arrival. The child will be escorted off the aircraft by a Flight Attendant and released to the pick-up parent/guardian on the Unaccompanied Minor form.

You might be interested: What Is Happening On The George Washington Bridge Right Now?