In Jamaica, alcohol consumption is vastly different from what you may be used to in your home country. This island nation has a long history of drinking; as such, most people have gotten pretty comfortable with the social norms accompanying alcohol consumption.
In essence, the legal age to drink in jamaica is much like elsewhere – subject to local customs, laws, and traditions. Below we’ve outlined some of the nuances you need to keep in mind if you plan on embracing your new island home by adding alcohol to your daily routine.
Read also: What is the Legal Drinking Age in Canada
What’s the Legal Drinking Age in Jamaica?
The legal drinking age in Jamaica is 18 years of age. However, the law does allow for consumption without a child or a minor, provided that the consumption occurs in the presence of at least one older adult at least 21 years of age. The presence of a child or a minor is not a valid reason for drinking alcohol.
If you are under the legal drinking age in Jamaica, you can be charged with possessing, consuming, and/or transporting alcohol.
Where Can You Drink in Jamaica?
There are few places where you can legally drink in Jamaica. You can drink anywhere you’re allowed to drink in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The beach is one of the most popular places to visit while in Jamaica. If you’re visiting during the summer months, you can drink at any beach.
However, if you visit during the winter, you’ll need to stay in the hotel and drink on the patio. You can drink in the hotel lobby and restaurant. You can’t drink on the beach. You can also drink at any of the bars in the resort. You can’t drink at the beach bar at the resort. There are also a few bars that have special deals for tourists.
Don’t Drink and Drive
Alcohol may be present in all public places and all hotel bars in Jamaica. It would be best if you obeyed all the rules and regulations in relation to drinking. This means that you must never drink and drive.
If you choose to drink while in your rental car, please remember that you are breaking the law and are responsible for the safety of yourself and everyone around you. While many laws are in place to prevent drunk driving, they’re not always followed.
If you do choose to drink while driving, please understand that you are putting yourself and others at risk. Many laws are in place to prevent drunk driving, but they’re not always followed. If you choose to drink and drive, please understand it is a very bad idea.
If You Must Drink, Protect Yourself with a Parasailing Safety Net
While drinking is legal in Jamaica, it’s also a dangerous activity. Many dangerous situations can arise from drinking. If you must drink, please be smart about it. First, drink responsibly. Second, protect yourself with a parasailing safety net. Drinking and parasailing are a dangerous combination.
If you must drink and ride in a speedboat, parasail, sailboat, or sailboard, protect yourself using a parasailing safety net. Parasailing is not a sport for the faint of heart. It’s a high-risk, high-reward activity. If you participate in parasailing, please protect yourself with a safety net.
Bottle Feeding – Why It Happens and What You Can Do About It
Bottle feeding is the act of pouring alcohol into someone’s drink. It’s a common occurrence in many countries, but especially in Jamaica. Bottle feeding is more of a social norm than a criminal act in Jamaica. Bottle feeding is not always a malicious act. Sometimes it’s done by friends and family members who know they shouldn’t be drinking. However, bottle feeding is not always harmless.
If you’ve ever given alcohol intended for someone else, make sure you know who it’s for and that the person knows to drink it responsibly.
Bottom Line
If you decide to drink in Jamaica, please remember that it’s dangerous and important to protect yourself with a parasailing safety net.
