The legal drinking age in The Bahamas is 18. People aged 18 or older can legally buy and consume alcohol, although bars, resorts and restaurants may ask for valid photo identification.
At a Glance
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Legal drinking age in The Bahamas | 18 |
| Minimum age to buy alcohol | 18 |
| Minimum age to consume alcohol | 18 |
| Photo ID to carry | Valid government-issued photo ID |
| Age to apply for a liquor licence | 21 |
What Does the Law Say?
The Bahamas' liquor licensing law prohibits licensed premises from selling or serving intoxicating liquor to anyone under 18. It covers beer, wine, spirits, cider and other alcoholic drinks.
A Bahamian government liquor-licensing guide also lists 18 as the legal drinking age. The separate age of 21 applies to people applying for a liquor licence, not to customers buying or drinking alcohol.
Do You Need Identification?
Yes. Carry a passport or another government-issued photo ID when drinking in The Bahamas. A bar, hotel, restaurant or resort can refuse service if it cannot verify your age.
Major resorts use the same 18-year minimum. Atlantis lists 18 as its minimum drinking age, and Baha Mar says guests must be 18 to drink. A particular venue can still set stricter house rules.
What Should Travellers Know?
The legal drinking age in The Bahamas is 18, not 21. A cruise ship, private club, resort event or excursion operator may follow a different alcohol policy, especially when the service is controlled by a company based outside The Bahamas. Check the venue's rules before buying an alcohol package or booking an excursion.
You must be 18 or older to legally buy or drink alcohol in The Bahamas. Bring photo ID and follow the rules of the bar, resort, cruise ship or restaurant you visit.