Belize's Drinking Age: What's The Deal?

The legal drinking age in Belize is 18 years old, although enforcement of this law is often lax. Beer, wine, and spirits are sold in most supermarkets and convenience stores from Monday to Saturday, with some establishments selling alcohol until 3:00 a.m. While drinking laws are not always strictly enforced, driving under the influence is a criminal offence in Belize, and public intoxication is illegal.

Drinking laws in Belize

Belize is known for its laid-back attitude, and this extends to its drinking laws. The legal drinking age in Belize is 18, but it is rarely enforced, and IDs are seldom checked. This means that it is relatively easy for underage individuals to purchase and consume alcohol.

Belize has a vibrant drinking culture, with alcohol available for purchase almost anywhere, every day, until midnight at convenience stores and up to 3:00 a.m. at casinos and nightclubs. The country produces its own dark and clear rum, known locally as white rum, which is a popular and affordable choice for many locals and tourists. Beer is also widely consumed, with Belikin, the country's main beer, offering several varieties, including regular, lager, stout, and premium options.

While the drinking culture is prominent in Belize, it is important to note that the country has strict laws against drinking and driving, as well as public intoxication. Driving while intoxicated is a criminal offence, and those caught can face serious consequences, including detention for up to 36 hours and being asked to provide a urine or blood sample. The Blood Alcohol Level Limit in Belize is 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood (0.08), which is similar to the limits in the UK, Canada, and the US.

Public drunkenness is also illegal in Belize, and this law is enforced. Drinking on public streets is prohibited, but consuming alcohol on resort property is allowed. Additionally, Belize has traditionally had "Blue Laws" that governed the sale of liquor on religious holidays, but these were repealed starting on December 24, 2022, allowing alcohol sales and consumption every day of the year, including religious holidays.

Drinking age enforcement

The legal drinking age in Belize is 18 years old, however, enforcement of this law is often lax. While some bars and restaurants will refuse to serve alcohol to anyone under 18, many other establishments do not strictly enforce the drinking age. It is relatively easy to purchase alcohol in Belize, with supermarkets and convenience stores selling beer, wine, and liquor from Monday to Saturday. Alcohol is also available in casinos and nightclubs until 3:00 a.m.

Despite the relaxed attitude towards the drinking age in some parts of Belize, it is important to remember that the country has strict laws against drinking and driving, as well as public intoxication. Driving under the influence of alcohol is a criminal offence, and those caught doing so may face serious consequences, including detention for up to 36 hours and being asked to provide a urine or blood sample.

Public drunkenness is also illegal in Belize, and this law is enforced. While it is permissible to drink on resort property, drinking on public streets is not allowed.

To ensure a safe drinking experience in Belize, it is recommended to stick with friends or travel in groups, especially at night and in unfamiliar places. It is also advised to only purchase beer and drinks in sealed containers, as there have been reports of drinks being spiked with drugs.

Drinking and driving laws

The legal drinking age in Belize is 18 years old, although enforcement of this law is often lax. Beer, wine, and liquor are all sold in most supermarkets and small convenience stores from Monday through Saturday. No liquor is sold on Good Friday or Easter Sunday, and on Election Day, no liquor can be sold until 6 pm.

Belize has strict laws against drinking and driving, and public intoxication. If you are caught driving under the influence, you could face serious consequences. Driving while drunk in Belize is a criminal offence. Police officers can pull you over and administer a sobriety test if they suspect you are under the influence. You may be detained for up to 36 hours if caught driving (including golf carts) while over the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit. The BAC limit in Belize is 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood, or 0.08. When arrested, you will be asked to provide a urine or blood sample. You can refuse, but refusal will result in additional charges unless you can provide a reasonable explanation.

Public drunkenness is also illegal in Belize, and you can expect this law to be enforced. You are not allowed to drink on public streets, but it is permitted to drink on your resort's property.

Drinking in public

The legal drinking age in Belize is 18 years old, although enforcement of this law is often lax. Beer, wine, and liquor are sold in most supermarkets and small convenience stores from Monday through Saturday. No liquor is sold on Good Friday or Easter Sunday, and on Election Day, no liquor can be sold until 6 pm.

While drinking in public is illegal in Belize, the law is not always enforced. You are not allowed to drink on public streets, but it is acceptable to drink on the property of a resort. It is also possible to walk around with an open container, although this is technically prohibited. Most bars will provide a to-go cup for drinks to be taken off-premises.

Belize has strict laws against public intoxication and drinking and driving. If you are caught driving under the influence, you could face serious consequences, including detention for up to 36 hours. The Blood Alcohol Level Limit in Belize is 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood (0.08), and driving above the prescribed limit is a criminal offence.

Opening hours for liquor establishments

The legal drinking age in Belize is 18 years, although enforcement is often lax. Beer, wine, and liquor are all sold in most supermarkets and small convenience stores from Monday through Saturday. No liquor is sold on Good Friday or Easter Sunday. On Election Day, no liquor can be sold until 6 pm.

The sale of alcohol in licensed premises is subject to the following daily closing hours:

• Shop License: 9 pm to 6 am
• Beer License: 9 pm to 6 am
• Publican Special: midnight to 9 am
• Night Club: 2 am to 10 am

Most bars are open until 1 or 2 am, although some stay open later. Alcohol can be purchased at convenience stores until midnight and at casinos and nightclubs until 3 am.

Belize has a reputation for being a great place to let loose and have fun, with a wide range of alcoholic beverages available, from locally brewed beers and fruit wines to rum, the country's most popular spirit. However, it's important to remember that Belize has strict laws against drinking and driving, and public intoxication. If you plan to drink, stick with friends or travel in groups, and always drink responsibly.

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