Belize Alcohol: Where To Buy

Belize is known for its rum production, with local dark and clear rum, also known as white rum, being the best deal on the market. The drinking laws in Belize are relatively relaxed, with the legal drinking age being 18 and alcohol available for purchase almost anywhere until midnight at convenience stores, and up to 3:00 a.m. at casinos and nightclubs.

Belize offers a variety of alcoholic beverages, including locally brewed beers, fruit wines, and Caribbean rum punch. The prices of alcohol vary, with local rum costing around $2.50 USD and vodka or tequila drinks starting at $12 BZD.

When visiting Belize, it is important to be aware of the drinking laws and to drink responsibly.

Duty-free stores at the airport

Belize's Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport in Ladyville, Belize, is home to several duty-free stores, including Duty & Tax Free Ltd, which has been in operation since 1986. Duty & Tax Free Ltd has one store in the departures gate and two in the arrivals gate, as well as a Cuban Cigars & More store in the arrivals gate. The company operates 11 duty-free stores across Belize, including at the Harvest Caye International Cruise Port, the Punta Gorda International Point of Entry, and the Belize-Mexico and Belize-Guatemala borders.

Duty & Tax Free Ltd offers a wide range of products, including leading international brands of liquor, wine, fragrance, cigarettes, cigars, and confectionery. The company is committed to providing exceptional customer service and unbeatable prices, making it a popular choice for travellers looking to purchase duty-free alcohol.

In addition to Duty & Tax Free Ltd, the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport also features other duty-free stores such as Lauren Duty Free and Premier Duty Free in the Arrival Hall, and Belizean Vibes, Toucan Gift Shop, and Ueta of Belize in Terminal 1. The Departure Lounge is home to a variety of shops, including Duty Free of Belize, Galleon Duty Free, and Unbelizeable, offering unique souvenirs, fine gifts, and local products.

The airport's duty-free stores provide travellers with a convenient and hassle-free shopping experience, allowing them to purchase alcohol and other items without having to pay taxes. With a variety of options to choose from, visitors can easily find their favourite drinks or discover new local specialties, such as rum, to enjoy during their stay in Belize.

Convenience stores

In Belize, it is relatively easy to purchase alcohol almost anywhere. Alcohol can be purchased from convenience stores up until midnight. The legal drinking age in Belize is 18, which is lower than in many other countries.

Belize has a reputation for being a great place to party, with many tourist attractions and activities. It is a rum-producing country, with local dark and clear rum (known as white rum) being the best deal on the market. Visitors are often encouraged to "Drink Like A Belizean", but it is important to drink responsibly. Belize has strict laws against drinking and driving, and public intoxication. If caught driving under the influence, you could face serious consequences.

Belize has recently relaxed its alcohol sales laws. Previously, there were "Blue Laws" governing the sale of liquor on certain religious holidays, but these were repealed in December 2022. Now, alcohol can be sold and consumed any day of the year, including religious holidays.

When drinking in Belize, it is important to stick with friends or travel in groups, especially for women. It is best to avoid mixed drinks and only purchase beer and drinks in sealed containers, as there have been reports of drinks being spiked with drugs.

Casinos

Belize has a limited number of casinos, but they can still offer a fun break from the usual tourist activities. The biggest casino in the country is the Ramada Belize City Princess Hotel, located on the waterfront Princess Margaret Drive, just off Barracks Road. This casino has a Las Vegas-style feel, with faux marble floors, glitz and glamour. It offers three table games: American Roulette, Blackjack, and Caribbean Stud Poker, as well as 300 slot machines. The casino is fully air-conditioned, with free drinks for guests, and it is open from noon until 4 am.

The Ramada Belize City Princess Hotel is owned by the Turkey-based Princess Hotels and Casinos Group, and it caters to a diverse clientele, including Asians, Lebanese, Palestinians, Belizeans, and Central Americans. The area surrounding the casino is not considered safe for walking, due to the presence of bars and nightclubs, which have led to issues with thieves and muggers. It is recommended that visitors take a taxi to and from the casino and remain sober.

In addition to the Belize City Princess, there are a few other casinos in Belize worth mentioning. One is the Tropicana, located on Princess Margaret Drive in Belize City, which is known for its nightclubs and restaurants. There is also the Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, located on the Northern Highway in Corozal, near the Mexican border. This casino has received excellent reviews, but it is important to note that there is an entry fee of $20 per person to access the free zone between Belize and Mexico.

For those looking for a more luxurious casino experience, the San Ignacio Hotel in San Ignacio, Cayo, is a good option. This casino is part of the Princess Casino Group and offers the same level of comfort and quality as the Belize City Princess. It also features the NEXT nightclub for guests looking for additional entertainment.

Nightclubs

Some of the top-rated nightclubs in Belize include:

• Jaguars Temple Night Club: This nightclub features excellent music and a fun environment with funny posters and signs on the walls.
• The Street Feet Lounge & Night Club: Repeatedly described as the best place to party on the island, with the "coolest" owners.
• Tropicana Lounge: A dance club and disco.
• West Bay Beach Club: Another dance club and disco.
• French Kiss Lounge: A lounge bar.
• El Portal Island Lounge And Tapas: A lounge and tapas bar.
• Barrel Bar & Lounge: A bar and lounge.

Bars and restaurants

Belize is known for its beautiful beaches, superior dive spots, and cultural mish-mash. It also has one of the best nightlife scenes in the region, with everything from lively beach bars to refined wine bars. Toes in the sand and legs in the water is a common theme for bars here, and the live music scene, whether it's drumming or reggae or rock, is always on point.

Palapa Bar & Grill

Perched on a dock overlooking the Caribbean Sea, this overwater bungalow bar is surrounded by turquoise waters and beloved by locals, ex-pats, and tourists. On sunny days, you can float in inner tubes beside the dock with an ice-cold drink in hand. There’s often live music, and it’s the perfect place to watch the sunset in San Pedro. The food is also great—try the ceviche and fried pickles.

Blue Bayou

Opened in 2018, Blue Bayou was the first bar to open at Secret Beach and quickly became popular, thanks to the ability to drink the day away from the comfort of your table in the water. Guests can enjoy sipping on Belikins and munching on ceviche and jerk fish from the comfort of half-submerged picnic tables in the clear blue water of Ambergris Caye.

Tipsy Tuna Seaside & Sports Bar

This lively beachfront bar in the middle of Placencia often hosts live reggae, soca, and punta music (a local Garifuna music). There’s a spacious dance area along with karaoke, billiards, and multiple TVs showing sporting events. You might even catch a game of beach volleyball in person. Sip on a coconut basil mojito or melon mango punch. It can get rowdy sometimes, though, especially during spring break, so plan accordingly.

The Lazy Lizard Bar & Grill

This beachfront swim-up bar in Caye Caulker is located right at the famous Split, where the island divides into two, with a waterway running through it. There are beach cabanas for rent, and it’s known for its super-strong Green Lizard Juice and fresh fish tacos. Come in the afternoon and stay until sunset—this is a particularly beautiful spot to watch it.

Barefoot Beach Bar

This beachfront bar in Placencia is known for its friendly staff, colourful atmosphere, live music, and tasty burgers. Check the chalkboard for tropical drink specials like strawberry margaritas or pineapple strawberry daiquiris. There's usually a shot special, too.

Driftwood Beach Bar & Pizza Shack

This 10-year-old beachfront bar in Hopkins is known for its pizza, cold Belikins, and vibrant social scene. The bar hosts live music most nights, and every Tuesday night there is a Garifuna drum band. Weekends bring specials like a Bloody Mary and michelada bar and beach barbecues.

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