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.

Tijuana has taken some steps to ensure the safety of all tourist including students, for example the special units assigned to well known tourist attractions such as Avenida Revolution. Policia Turista is a unit assigned to the “hot spots” where tourists might encounter danger or illegal activity. Sona Segura is a new unit ensuring that public transportation is going to the place intended such as the boarder or the airport.

There is also a three hundred-camera system in place across the city of Tijuana, on Avenida Revolution Street a total of 46 cameras, some hidden to the public.

Students who travel to Tijuana solely to party are known to authorities as 15 dollar tourists. In part because they believe that fifteen dollars can be the right amount for the cover of the club and including the alcoholic drinks. Tijuana would rather receive family tourists. Families who are willing to pay for restaurants, hotels and visit well known cultural attractions.

” I feel safe when I go down to TJ, but only when I go with a lot of people, but for a girl or guy to go down there to party by themselves is not really safe,” said Mesa student Derrick Barkum.

Tijuana has a long history as being considered a party city. It began during the prohibition period when alcohol and gambling was illegal in the United States. San Diego being a Navy port brought many sailors and others who would visit Tijuana in the 1920’s and take advantage of Mexican laws.

Regardless of the current state of Tijuana, authorities from both sides of the boarder can agree that certain students will continue to visit the clubs and bars across Tijuana. Knowledge of the different laws and proper judgment can be the only determining factor in concluding whether Tijuana is a safe place to party.