Belize Booze Cruise: Understanding Alcohol Limits

Travellers entering Belize are permitted to bring a limited amount of alcohol into the country. The amount varies depending on the type of alcohol and where you are travelling from. Those arriving from non-European Union countries can bring 1 litre of spirits with an alcohol content of over 22%, 2 litres of dessert wine (22% alcohol or less), and 2 litres of wine. Travellers can also bring up to 250ml of eau de toilette and 60cc of perfume. These amounts are per person. It is important to note that beer is not permitted, as Belize protects its domestic brewing industry.

The legal drinking age in Belize is 18

Belize is a rum-producing country, and both the local dark and clear rum are good deals. Visitors are often encouraged by their hosts or tour guides to "Drink Like A Belizean". However, drinking in public is illegal in Belize, and this law is enforced. You are not allowed to drink on public streets, but it is permitted on the property of your resort.

Alcohol is relatively easy to purchase in Belize, and can be bought almost anywhere every day until midnight at convenience stores, and up to 3:00 a.m. at casinos and nightclubs. The daily closing hours for licensed premises are standardised: shops and beer licenses are closed between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. the following day, publicans special closes between midnight and 9:00 a.m. the following day, and nightclubs close between 2:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. the following day.

Belize traditionally had "Blue Laws" governing the sale of liquor on certain religious holidays, but these were repealed starting on 24 December 2022. Now, alcohol can be sold and consumed every day of the year, including religious holidays.

The Blood Alcohol Level Limit is 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood

The amount of alcohol you can take into Belize depends on where you are travelling from. If you are travelling from a non-European Union country, you can bring in the following amounts duty-free:

• 1 litre of spirits with alcohol content over 22%
• 2 litres of dessert wine with alcohol content no more than 22%
• 2 litres of wine
• 250ml eau de toilette
• 60cc of perfume
• 200 cigarettes
• 100 cigarillos
• 250g of tobacco
• 50 cigars

If you are travelling from the United States, you can purchase duty-free alcohol at the airport after landing in Belize. However, it is important to note that alcohol is not allowed in carry-on luggage on Tropic Air flights from the international airport.

Regardless of where you are travelling from, it is important to be aware of the blood alcohol level limit in Belize. Driving with a blood alcohol level above the legal limit is a criminal offence. The blood alcohol level limit in Belize is 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, which is equivalent to a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08%. This limit is the same as the maximum prescribed legal drink-driving limit in England and Wales and is also commonly used in the US and many international publications.

Blood alcohol content (BAC) is a measure of alcohol in the blood, typically expressed as a percentage. It is calculated in grams per 100 mL of blood. For example, a BAC of 0.08 means your blood is 0.08% alcohol by volume. BAC can be measured using a breathalyser, which measures the amount of alcohol on the breath, or through blood analysis.

Drinking and driving is a criminal offence in Belize

Belize is a popular tourist destination, known for its stunning islands and vibrant culture. The country has a reputation for being a great place to indulge in local rum and have some fun. However, it is important to remember that drinking and driving is a criminal offence in Belize, and the consequences can be severe.

Belize has strict laws against drinking and driving, with a blood alcohol content (BAC) limit of 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, or 0.08. This limit is the same as in the UK, Canada, and most of the United States. Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious matter, and those caught driving over the BAC limit may be detained for up to 36 hours. This includes driving golf carts, which are a common mode of transport on the islands.

If you are caught drinking and driving in Belize, the police will administer a sobriety test and may arrest you. You will be taken to a public medical facility and asked to provide a urine or blood sample to determine your BAC level. Refusing to provide a sample will result in additional charges, unless you have a valid reason for refusal. It is important to note that Belize has a history of corruption, and there is a risk of being extorted by law enforcement officials during this process.

The penalties for drinking and driving in Belize can be harsh. You may face significant fines, imprisonment, or both. Additionally, you will likely be required to obtain a local driver's license and register your vehicle in Belize, which can be a costly and time-consuming process. Drinking and driving also puts yourself and others at risk of harm, as your ability to operate a vehicle safely is impaired.

To avoid any legal troubles and ensure your safety, it is best to refrain from drinking and driving in Belize. Plan ahead and arrange for alternative transportation if you intend to consume alcohol. This could include utilising taxis or designated drivers. By following the local laws and staying responsible, you can fully enjoy your time in Belize without putting yourself or others at risk.

Beer from outside of CARICOM countries will be confiscated

If you are travelling to Belize, it is important to know the country's customs regulations and what you can and cannot bring into the country.

Belize is a member of the CARICOM (Caribbean Community and Common Market) organisation, which was founded by Barbados, Jamaica, Guyana, and Trinidad and Tobago to promote economic integration and cooperation. CARICOM currently consists of 15 Caribbean nations and dependencies.

If you are travelling to Belize from a country outside of CARICOM, it is important to note that you are not allowed to bring beer into the country. Beer from outside of CARICOM countries will be confiscated. This is because travellers are only entitled to bring 1 litre/1 bottle per person of liquor (no beer) when entering Belize. This applies at all land border crossings and sea entry points.

In addition to beer, there are several other items that are restricted or prohibited from entry into Belize. These include:

• Meat and meat products
• Processed food items
• Live animals
• Drones (require a special permit from the Civil Aviation Department)

On the other hand, there are several items that travellers can bring into Belize duty-free. These include:

• 200 cigarettes
• 100 cigarillos
• 250g of tobacco
• 50 cigars
• 1 litre of spirits with alcohol content over 22%
• 2 litres of dessert wine with alcohol content no more than 22%
• 2 litres of wine
• 250ml eau de toilette
• 60cc of perfume

It is important to properly declare any items you are bringing into Belize and to have the proper documentation for customs officers.

Alcohol can be purchased at any time up to midnight in convenience stores

Belize is a popular tourist destination, known for its relaxed rules around alcohol consumption. The legal drinking age in Belize is 18, and individuals are allowed to purchase alcohol almost anywhere, every day, until midnight at convenience stores, and up to 3:00 a.m. at casinos and nightclubs.

For those travelling to Belize, it is important to note that you are allowed to bring in alcohol, but there are quantity restrictions in place. Travellers from non-European Union countries can bring in alcohol duty-free, with the following limitations:

• 1 litre of spirits with alcohol content over 22%
• 2 litres of dessert wine with alcohol content no more than 22%
• 2 litres of wine
• 250ml eau de toilette
• 60cc of perfume

Additionally, travellers are allowed to bring in a certain amount of tobacco products, including:

• 200 cigarettes
• 100 cigarillos
• 250g of tobacco
• 50 cigars

It is important to be aware of Belize's alcohol laws when visiting the country. While the country has a reputation for being a great place to party, it also has strict laws against drinking and driving, as well as public intoxication. The Blood Alcohol Level Limit in Belize is 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood, and driving under the influence is a criminal offence. So, while alcohol can be purchased at any time up to midnight in convenience stores, it is important to drink responsibly and be mindful of the local laws and regulations.

Frequently asked questions