Vivian Marlowe
The legal drinking age in the Bahamas is 18 years old, which is lower than in the United States, making it a popular destination for young American tourists. The Bahamas has a range of alcoholic drinks on offer, including the national beer, Kalik, and cheap rum, which is made fresh by three different companies. The drinking age limit is enforced strictly, with businesses facing tough penalties, including big fines and license suspension, if they serve alcohol to minors. Alcohol sales are also restricted on Sundays, with most stores not selling alcohol at all on this day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Legal drinking age | 18 |
| Drinking age on cruise ships | 21 |
| Drinking age on private islands | 21 |
| Drinking age in Atlantis Bahamas | 18 |
| Drinking age in CocoCay | 21 |
| Limit of alcohol allowed per person | 1 litre |
| Limit of alcoholic liquor allowed per person | 1 qt. |
| Limit of wine allowed per person | 1 qt. |
| Alcohol sales on Sundays | Restricted |
| Alcohol availability on Sundays | Available with meals in restaurants from noon and at resorts after 7 pm |
| Alcohol availability in convenience and grocery stores on Sundays | Not available |
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What You'll Learn
Drinking age and ID requirements
The legal drinking age in the Bahamas is 18 years old. This means that individuals who are 18 or older can legally purchase, possess, and consume alcoholic beverages. However, some bars, nightclubs, and restaurants may have their own age restrictions, which can be stricter than the legal drinking age. For example, some establishments may only admit patrons who are 21 or older, regardless of the legal drinking age. Therefore, it is always a good idea to carry a form of identification with you, especially if you plan on consuming alcohol, to avoid any trouble with the authorities. Acceptable forms of identification include a passport, driver's license, or government-issued ID card. These forms of identification should include your name, date of birth, and a photograph to verify your identity.
It is important to note that the drinking age on cruise ships and private islands may be different from the legal drinking age in the Bahamas. Cruise lines that originate from the US and private islands such as CocoCay and Half Moon Cay typically have a drinking age of 21. Therefore, it is essential to check with your cruise line before boarding to understand their policies regarding alcohol consumption and the legal drinking age.
If you are caught drinking underage in the Bahamas, you may face legal consequences, including fines, arrest, or even deportation back to your home country. Additionally, it is important to drink responsibly and stay hydrated, especially in the tropical heat. Alcohol is a diuretic, and the combination of alcohol and sun can lead to dehydration, which can be dangerous.
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Buying alcohol on Sundays
The legal drinking age in the Bahamas is 18. This means that those aged 18 and above can buy and consume alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and cocktails. However, it is important to carry proper identification, such as a passport or driver's license, when purchasing alcohol.
When it comes to buying alcohol on Sundays in the Bahamas, there are some restrictions in place. Alcohol is typically not sold in stores on Sundays. This includes convenience stores and grocery stores, as well as liquor stores, which are only permitted to sell alcohol from 7 am to 9 pm, Monday through Saturday. Therefore, it is advisable to plan ahead and purchase alcohol in advance if you intend to drink on a Sunday.
However, there are some exceptions to the rule. Hotels, clubs, casinos, and restaurants are allowed to serve alcohol on Sundays during their regular business hours. In restaurants, alcohol can be purchased with a meal starting at noon on Sundays, while resorts can sell alcohol after 7 pm. Additionally, cruise ships departing from the United States abide by US laws, where the legal drinking age is 21.
It is also worth noting that drinking in public places is permitted in the Bahamas, but it must be done discreetly, with drinks in paper bags or plastic cups. The legal blood alcohol limit for driving is 0.08%, and public disorderly intoxication can lead to fines or other legal consequences.
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Drinking on cruise ships
The legal drinking age in the Bahamas is 18. However, cruise ships can set their own rules, and most do not serve alcohol to those under 21. For instance, on Royal Caribbean cruises, the minimum drinking age is 21 on sailings originating from North America, the Caribbean, and Dubai. On sailings from South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, the minimum drinking age is 18. Additionally, the minimum drinking age at all private destinations, such as CocoCay, remains 21. Therefore, if you plan to drink alcohol while on a cruise ship in the Bahamas, it is important to check the specific policies of the cruise line, as those under 21 may not be permitted to drink on board.
When drinking on cruise ships in the Bahamas, it is important to stay hydrated and be mindful of your limits, especially in the tropical sun. Many sugary cocktails can contain high levels of alcohol, and it is easy to overindulge without realizing it. It is always a good idea to carry ID, such as a passport or driver's license, as well, to prove your age when purchasing alcohol.
If you are of legal drinking age and wish to purchase alcohol on the islands, you will find a significant number of liquor stores throughout the Bahamas, including downtown, in hotels, and in the Port Lucaya marketplace. Rum is a popular and affordable choice, with prices ranging from $2 to $10 per bottle. Local brands include Ron Ricardo rum, Ole Nassau Rum, and Fire in the Hole Rum, which comes in a variety of flavours like coconut, mango, pineapple, and banana. The Bacardi Rum factory on New Providence, south of Nassau, is also a popular destination for tourists.
In addition to rum, the Bahamas has its own national beer called Kalik, which is served at "all-inclusive" resorts. There are three main types: Kalik Regular, Kalik Light, and Kalik Gold, which has a higher alcohol content. Guinness and Sands beer are also widely available. However, imported beer can be very expensive in hotels, so it may be more affordable to purchase it from bars or liquor stores.
If you plan to bring your own alcohol into the Bahamas, you are typically allowed to bring up to 1 litre without incurring additional duties. However, some travellers have reported bringing larger amounts without issue, as long as the alcohol is for personal consumption and you declare it to customs.
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Local drinks
The Bahamas is known for its rum-based drinks, and one of the most popular drinks in the Bahamas is the aptly named Bahama Mama. This drink is a tropical mix of rum, coconut rum, coffee liqueur, pineapple juice, and often orange juice, with some grenadine, lemon juice, or lime juice added too. The drink is usually served over ice, but can also be served as an alcoholic slushie.
Another popular drink is Sky Juice, also known as Gully Wash. Sky Juice is a true Bahamian backyard drink, served at barbecues, parties, and offered by beach vendors and bars around the islands. Sky Juice switches rum for gin as its base liquor, and includes coconut water, condensed milk, and grated nutmeg.
The Painkiller is a refreshing beverage that has become more common in recent years. It is a combination of dark rum, orange juice, pineapple juice, and cream of coconut.
The Goombay Smash is a blend of four different rums with orange and pineapple juices and chunks of fresh fruit.
Bahamian Switcha is a local lemonade made with freshly squeezed key limes, mixed with cane sugar and water.
Sands Beer is one of the most popular beers in the Bahamas, especially Sands Pink, which has a refreshing grapefruit taste.
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Bringing your own alcohol
If you want to bring your own alcohol to the Bahamas, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, the legal drinking age in the Bahamas is 18, so visitors aged 18 and older can consume alcohol. It's always a good idea to carry ID, such as a passport or driver's license, to prove your age when purchasing alcohol or drinking in bars.
When bringing alcohol into the Bahamas, it must be for personal consumption and within the stated limit. The limit is one litre of alcohol per person, and it must be packed in your checked luggage. If you exceed this limit, you may be charged duties and taxes on the excess amount. For example, a $20 bottle of gin may cost an additional $20 in duties and 10% in VAT taxes. However, some travellers have reported bringing more than the stated limit without incurring any extra fees.
It's worth noting that alcohol prices in the Bahamas are generally comparable to those in the United States. Rum is slightly cheaper, while beer is more expensive. California wines tend to be more expensive, while Italian wines are similar in price to those in the US. Therefore, unless you have a specific preference for certain brands or types of alcohol, it may not be necessary to bring your own.
If you are travelling by boat, you may be able to bring a larger quantity of alcohol. One traveller reported bringing up to half a dozen bottles and explaining to customs officials that they intended to consume it during their stay. However, this approach may not always be successful, and it is essential to follow local laws and regulations.
In conclusion, while it is possible to bring your own alcohol to the Bahamas, it is important to stay within the stated limits and be prepared to pay any applicable duties and taxes. For most travellers, it may be more convenient and cost-effective to purchase alcohol locally, especially when it comes to rum and beer, which are readily available and reasonably priced in the Bahamas.
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Frequently asked questions
The legal drinking age in the Bahamas is 18. However, some places may set their own age limits, especially upscale bars and nightclubs.
It is recommended to carry a passport or driver's license as proof of age when purchasing alcohol in the Bahamas.
Yes, alcohol sales are restricted on Sundays. You can buy alcohol with a meal in a restaurant from noon onwards, and at resorts after 7 pm. Convenience and grocery stores do not sell alcohol on Sundays.
Yes, you can bring your own alcohol into the Bahamas, but there is a limit of 1 litre. If you bring more, you may be charged 100% duties on the excess, as well as VAT taxes.
