The Drinking Age In Bahamas: Over 18

For all types of vacationers, the Bahamas are the ideal location.  Many younger people wonder, “What’s the legal drinking age in the Bahamas?” when they visit the stunning Bahamas. The Bahamas’ legal drinking age is 18. To find out more about the legal drinking age in the Bahamas, read this article.

Legal Drinking Age In Bahamas

As previously mentioned, most nations have laws that are difficult to understand when it comes to consuming and purchasing alcohol. The drinking age in the Bahamas is, however, fairly simple to understand.

We’ve got some good news for you if you’re over the legal drinking age: you can buy and drink alcohol without risk while visiting the Bahamas.

Keep in mind that the country you are currently in determines the legal drinking age for you to observe, not your home country.

This implies that you can legally purchase and consume alcohol while on vacation in the Bahamas if you are from the US or Canada, where the drinking age is 21 and 19.

You only need to present valid identification that certifies your age and you’re good to go.

However, you should be aware that, unlike in other nations, alcohol isn’t sold every day in the Bahamas. Sundays are the only day of the week when alcohol is not sold in stores.

For this reason, if you plan to spend more than a week in the Bahamas, don’t forget to stock up on your weekend supply on Fridays or Saturdays.

Why Do We Have Legal Drinking Ages

You can’t help but wonder why drinking ages are set in place when you’re in the mood to party while on vacation.

Unbelievably, the government requires legal drinking ages in order to protect the welfare of the populace. 

The Bahamas’ reduced rate of car accidents and crashes is due, like in any other nation, to the minimum legal drinking age.

Additionally, it discourages binge drinking and encourages responsible drinking, which lowers crime and suicide rates.

Because of these factors, it is imperative that all residents and guests uphold the law and preserve harmony and peace.

Why Should You Strictly Follow The Legal Drinking Age

Families, couples, and individuals from all over the world flock to the Bahamas as a top vacation destination. To go here is to experience the best of what life has to offer. 

There are numerous ways to obtain alcohol despite the fact that the legal drinking and purchasing age is 18 years old.

There is almost never an ID check unless you go to a five-star resort or a legitimate entertainment venue.

Additionally, by getting assistance from an adult, minors can easily access alcohol. You might be surprised by the number of parents who allow their kids to drink during the summer. 

The legal drinking age should be strictly observed when visiting the Bahamas, despite the circumstances, for the reasons listed below.

The law is clear and stipulates severe penalties for those who break it, despite the fact that there are loopholes.

You can never be too careful, even though it’s unusual for minors in the Bahamas to be found guilty of underage drinking. For one night of drinking, you wouldn’t want to ruin the entire trip. 

You may face a fine of several hundred dollars as a result of underage drinking. Additionally, if you behave irrationally after engaging in illegal drinking, you could even be imprisoned. 

Therefore, the best course of action if you’re under 18 and visiting the Bahamas is to abstain from drinking.

Do All Nations Have A Minimum Drinking Age

If the minimum drinking age in the Bahamas turns you off from traveling there, you might wonder if this is the case everywhere.

The most typical drinking age worldwide is actually “zero,” which will surprise you.” Yes, there is no set legal drinking age in 96 or so countries worldwide. Africa and Angola are two examples of these.

However, this does not imply that there are no alcohol consumption restrictions in these nations. Instead, the majority of these nations have a minimum age requirement before alcohol can be bought or consumed in public.

This indicates that young adults can consume alcohol whenever they want, provided it is done so with adult supervision in the majority of locations around the world.

Apart from age, some nations also impose limitations on the amount and types of alcohol that may be purchased or consumed at various ages.  

For instance, purchasing beers, wines, and spirits in Belgium is permitted at the age of 16, but not until you are 18.

In the world, ages 18 and 21 are the next most popular drinking age ranges. However, according to the WHO, the average age at which children globally begin drinking alcohol is between 12 and 15. 

Additionally, some nations forbid the entire sale and consumption of alcohol for religious reasons, regardless of age.

These comprise nations like Somalia, Sudan, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.

Let’s get to the point now that you are aware of the minimum legal drinking age in other nations and the justification for them.

Legal Age Limits To Know Before Visiting The Bahamas

Legal Driving Age

The Bahamas have a 17-year-old minimum age requirement for driving. But that doesn’t imply that anyone can rent a car while traveling. The legal age limit to rent a car is 21, but some locations have an even higher limit of 23 or 25.

Make sure to confirm that you are of legal age with the rental agency before you arrive.

Legal Traveling Age

Regardless of age, everyone traveling by air to the Bahamas needs a passport that is currently valid. However, the guidelines differ slightly for passengers arriving by cruise ship.

All cruise passengers must have a current passport if they are 16 years of age or older, but those who are 15 and younger may substitute a certified birth certificate.

Additional documentation is required for minors, or those who are under the age of 18, traveling to the Bahamas. A signed and notarized letter of consent from the minor’s legal guardian is required if they are traveling abroad without their parent or legal guardian.

Legal Smoking Age

In the Bahamas, tobacco use is not officially restricted by age. Therefore, it is legal for anyone in the country, regardless of age, to smoke cigarettes. However, 18 is the minimum age required to purchase tobacco.

Legal Scuba Diving Age

Compared to other activities offered in the Bahamas, scuba diving requires more expertise and effort. The minimum age requirement for visitors to engage in diving activities is 10, in order to ensure their safety.

All minors must be accompanied by an adult, and those under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian sign the application on their behalf.

Marijuana

The Bahamas currently forbid the use of any cannabis products, including medical marijuana. Despite being illegal at the moment, the government is currently looking into decriminalizing and possibly legalizing marijuana.

All visitors should refrain from purchasing any cannabis-related items to avoid legal repercussions.

Activities

Numerous thrilling activities are available in the Bahamas, particularly in Exuma, including swimming with sharks, exploring with fishing boats, and snorkeling in caves. To find out if there are any age restrictions on these activities, tourists should contact nearby tour operators.

Parents who bring their kids to these events do so at their own risk because some of these activities may not be appropriate for kids.

Final Words

In the Bahamas, 18 is the minimum age to legally consume alcohol. Make sure you have an ID on you just in case you intend to visit bars or purchase one from the store. Most people plan their vacations while feeling light-headed and carefree, but this frequently causes them to overlook crucial details to take into account when traveling to another country.