No, Public intoxication is not explicitly criminalized in Chile, but local ordinances and the Ley de Alcoholes (Law 20.680) impose restrictions on public drunkenness that may lead to administrative fines or detention under municipal authority.
Key Regulations for Public Intoxication in Chile
- Municipal Ordinances: Local governments (e.g., Santiago’s Ordenanza Municipal sobre Consumo de Alcohol en Espacios Públicos) prohibit disorderly conduct linked to intoxication, authorizing police to detain individuals causing disturbances.
- Ley de Alcoholes (2013, amended 2026): Prohibits selling alcohol to intoxicated individuals and penalizes public drunkenness if it disrupts public order, with fines up to 50 UTM (~$4,500 USD).
- Carabineros de Chile: Officers may detain individuals for “public scandal” (escándalo público) under Article 319 of the Penal Code, even without explicit intoxication charges.
Enforcement varies by region, with stricter measures in tourist-heavy areas like Valparaíso. Compliance officers should monitor municipal updates, as 2026 reforms may expand penalties for repeat offenders.