2008 Woodie Awards
Safety of TJ in question
William Felix
Issue date: 5/8/07 Section: News
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Currently more than 100 clubs and bars are located throughout the vibrant city of Tijuana, Mexico, making the city an attraction to hundreds of college students on a weekly basis.
But how safe is it for these students to travel south to the international boarder and spend a Friday, Saturday or even Sunday in one of the many clubs Tijuana has to offer? Under Mexican law the legal age to reach majority and to consume alcohol is18, it differs from the United States law by three years.
"Our position is that anyone who goes anywhere outside the United States," said San Diego Police Department Spokeswomen Monica Munoz. "Should keep in mind that the laws are different and they need to conduct themselves in a responsible manner. Many times when young people go to Tijuana they consume alcohol due to the lower drinking age and intoxication leads to bad decisions and bad choices."
American authorities have tried to combat underage partying in the city of Tijuana, by setting up post in the walking entry to Tijuana in the San Ysidro boarder. Here minors are arrested and detain for curfew violations. Also, crossing the international boarder intoxicated is an arrest able offence, for drunk in public.
The Sand Diego Police Department cannot determine whether it is safe for college students to party in Tijuana.
"We don't have a position in regard to whether it is safe or not safe, it is not something we will be able to determine because it is not our country, but we always recommend that people become aware of the laws of that country and they behave themselves in a respectful manner," said Munoz.
One of the most popular destinations for college students is Avenida Revolution, a well known tourist street filled with more than 20 clubs and bars. Taxis fill the street taking people to and from the U.S.-Mexico border. Under ordinance, clubs and bars can only be open until 3 am.
Tijuana police officials were not willing to discuss the issue on record, due to their policies. The United States council in Tijuana could not be reached for a comment.
But how safe is it for these students to travel south to the international boarder and spend a Friday, Saturday or even Sunday in one of the many clubs Tijuana has to offer? Under Mexican law the legal age to reach majority and to consume alcohol is18, it differs from the United States law by three years.
"Our position is that anyone who goes anywhere outside the United States," said San Diego Police Department Spokeswomen Monica Munoz. "Should keep in mind that the laws are different and they need to conduct themselves in a responsible manner. Many times when young people go to Tijuana they consume alcohol due to the lower drinking age and intoxication leads to bad decisions and bad choices."
American authorities have tried to combat underage partying in the city of Tijuana, by setting up post in the walking entry to Tijuana in the San Ysidro boarder. Here minors are arrested and detain for curfew violations. Also, crossing the international boarder intoxicated is an arrest able offence, for drunk in public.
The Sand Diego Police Department cannot determine whether it is safe for college students to party in Tijuana.
"We don't have a position in regard to whether it is safe or not safe, it is not something we will be able to determine because it is not our country, but we always recommend that people become aware of the laws of that country and they behave themselves in a respectful manner," said Munoz.
One of the most popular destinations for college students is Avenida Revolution, a well known tourist street filled with more than 20 clubs and bars. Taxis fill the street taking people to and from the U.S.-Mexico border. Under ordinance, clubs and bars can only be open until 3 am.
Tijuana police officials were not willing to discuss the issue on record, due to their policies. The United States council in Tijuana could not be reached for a comment.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Kenny
posted 5/24/07 @ 3:49 PM EST
Wiiliam Felix did an outstanding job on this story. This issue is one that goes through many individuals. The inside research was magnificant. William Felix is an inspiration to many journalist searching for the true story. (Continued…)
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