Equatorial Guinea is a small country in Central Africa with a rich cultural and natural diversity. It is one of the few African countries with Spanish as an official language and a unique blend of African, European, and Latin American influences. If you plan to visit Equatorial Guinea and enjoy its attractions, you might also want to have a drink or two to relax and have fun. But before you do, you should know everything you need about the legal drinking age in Equatorial Guinea and how it affects you and your travel companions.
The legal drinking age in Equatorial Guinea is 21 years old, which is higher than the average age of the majority in this country, which is 18. This means anyone 21 or older can legally buy and drink alcohol in Equatorial Guinea without any restrictions or limitations. You can choose from various alcoholic beverages, such as beer, wine, liquor, or cocktails, and enjoy them in different settings, such as bars, restaurants, hotels, or clubs.
However, just because you can drink legally in Equatorial Guinea, it doesn’t mean that you should drink irresponsibly or excessively. You should always be aware of the risks and consequences of drinking alcohol, especially in a foreign country. It would be best to respect the laws and regulations governing alcohol consumption in Equatorial Guinea and avoid getting into trouble with the authorities or the locals.
Can 16-Year-Olds Drink in Equatorial Guinea?
The short answer is no. As stated above, the legal drinking age in Equatorial Guinea is 21, and anyone who is under 21 is considered a minor and cannot legally drink alcohol in this country.
However, the reality is that many 16-year-olds do drink in Equatorial Guinea, either with their friends, their parents, or their older siblings. This is because the law is not very well enforced, and there is a lack of awareness and education about the harms of underage drinking.
Some parents in Equatorial Guinea may even allow or encourage their 16-year-old children to drink alcohol as a way of introducing them to the social and cultural aspects of drinking. They may think that drinking alcohol is a normal and harmless part of growing up and that it can help teenagers relax and have fun.
This is a dangerous misconception, as drinking alcohol at a young age can have serious adverse effects on the physical, mental, and emotional development of adolescents. According to the World Health Organization, drinking alcohol can interfere with brain development, impair memory and learning, increase the risk of injuries and accidents, and lead to alcohol dependence and addiction.
You should think twice if you are 16 years old and want to drink in Equatorial Guinea. You are not only breaking the law but also putting yourself and others at risk. If you are a parent of a 16-year-old who wants to drink in Equatorial Guinea, you should discourage them from doing so and educate them about the dangers and consequences of underage drinking.
What are the Equatorial Guinea Alcohol Laws?
Besides the legal drinking age, some other laws and regulations govern alcohol consumption in Equatorial Guinea. Here are some of the most important ones that you should know:
- It is illegal to sell alcohol to minors, and anyone who does so can face a fine of up to 10 million CFA francs (about 18,000 USD) or imprisonment of up to six years.
- It is illegal for minors to consume alcohol in public places, such as streets, parks, beaches, or sidewalks. If caught, they can be fined up to 180,000 CFA francs (about 300 USD) or detained by the police.
- It is illegal to drink and drive in Equatorial Guinea, and anyone who exceeds the blood alcohol concentration limit of 0.15% can be fined, lose their license, or go to jail. The penalties vary depending on the level of intoxication and the severity of the offense.
- It is illegal to drink in public places during certain religious holidays, such as Easter or Christmas Eve. This is known as the “dry law,” and the local municipalities enforce it. The dates and hours of the dry law may vary depending on the location, so it is advisable to check before you travel.
These laws and regulations are designed to protect the health and safety of the people and the environment and preserve the country’s social and cultural values. Therefore, you should respect and follow them and avoid any actions that could cause harm or offense to yourself or others.
Can You Drink on Beaches in Equatorial Guinea?
One of the main attractions of Equatorial Guinea is its beautiful beaches, where you can relax, swim, surf, or enjoy the sun. But can you drink on the beaches of Equatorial Guinea?
Technically, no. According to the law, drinking alcohol on the beaches of Equatorial Guinea is prohibited, as they are considered public places. However, this law is rarely enforced, and many locals and tourists drink on the beaches without problems.
This does not mean you can drink on the beaches of Equatorial Guinea without any care or respect. You should always be mindful of your surroundings and avoid drinking excessively, causing a disturbance, or littering. You should also be aware that consuming on the beach can expose you to the risk of dehydration, sunburn, or theft.
If you want to drink on the beaches of Equatorial Guinea, you should do so responsibly, moderately, and discreetly. You should also follow the local customs and norms and respect the authorities and the environment.
What Time Can I Buy Alcohol in Equatorial Guinea?
If you want to buy alcohol in Equatorial Guinea, you have plenty of options. You can purchase alcohol from liquor stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, or duty-free shops at the airport. You can also order alcohol from bars, restaurants, or delivery services.
However, you should also know the time restrictions for alcohol sales in Equatorial Guinea. Depending on the location and the type of establishment, there may be different hours and days when you can buy alcohol in Equatorial Guinea.
For example, in Malabo, the capital of Equatorial Guinea, you can buy alcohol from liquor stores from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Monday to Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. You can buy alcohol from supermarkets and convenience stores from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day. You can buy alcohol from bars and restaurants from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday and from 11 a.m. to midnight Friday to Sunday.
However, these hours may vary depending on the municipality, the season, or the holiday. For example, some municipalities may extend or reduce the hours of alcohol sales during peak tourist seasons or special events. Some municipalities may also implement the dry law during certain religious holidays, such as Easter or Christmas Eve, and ban the sale of alcohol altogether.
Therefore, if you want to buy alcohol in Equatorial Guinea, you should check the local regulations and schedules before you do so. You should also plan and stock up on alcohol if you want to avoid running out of it during the restricted hours or days.
How Do You Ask for a Beer in Equatorial Guinea?
If you want to order a beer in Equatorial Guinea, you should know some basic Spanish phrases and words to help you communicate with the staff and the locals. Here are some of the most common and useful ones:
- Una cerveza, por favor. (One beer, please.)
- Dos cervezas, por favor. (Two beers, please.)
- ¿Qué tipo de cerveza tiene? (What kind of beer do you have?)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta la cerveza? (How much does the beer cost?)
- Quiero una cerveza Castel/Asonga/Sahara. (I want a Castel/Asonga/Sahara beer.)
- ¿Me puede traer una cerveza fría? (Can you bring me a cold beer?)
- ¿Me puede traer una lima? (Can you get me a lime?)
- Salud! (Cheers!)
Of course, you can also use gestures and point to the menu or the bottle to indicate what beer you want. However, learning Spanish will make your experience more enjoyable and respectful, and you might even make new friends along the way.
Conclusion
Equatorial Guinea is a beautiful country to visit, and drinking alcohol can be a fun and relaxing way to enjoy your vacation. However, you should also be aware of the legal drinking age and the other laws and regulations that govern alcohol consumption in Equatorial Guinea. You should also drink responsibly and respectfully and avoid any problems or conflicts that could ruin your trip. By doing so, you will have a memorable and safe experience in Equatorial Guinea and appreciate its beauty and culture even more.
FAQs
Q: What is the legal drinking age in EG?
A: The legal drinking age in Equatorial Guinea is 21 years old, which is higher than the average age of the majority in this country, which is 18.
Q: Can 16-year-olds drink in EG?
A: No, 16-year-olds cannot drink legally in Equatorial Guinea, as they are considered minors and are subject to the law that prohibits underage drinking.
Q: What are the penalties for underage drinking in EG?
A: The penalties for underage drinking in Equatorial Guinea may include fines, detention, or legal action, depending on the circumstances and the severity of the offense.
Q: What are the penalties for selling alcohol to minors in EG?
A: The penalties for selling alcohol to minors in Equatorial Guinea may include fines, imprisonment, or license suspension, depending on the circumstances and the severity of the offense.
Q: What are the penalties for drinking and driving in EG?
A: The penalties for drinking and driving in Equatorial Guinea may include fines, license suspension, or jail time, depending on the level of intoxication and the severity of the offense.
Q: What are the dry laws in EG?
A: The dry laws are the regulations that ban or limit the sale and consumption of alcohol in public places during certain religious holidays, such as Easter or Christmas Eve.
Q: When and where do the dry laws apply in EG?
A: The dry laws may vary depending on the location and the date, as the local municipalities enforce them. It is advisable to check the local regulations and schedules before traveling or buying alcohol in Equatorial Guinea.
Q: Can you drink on the beaches in EG?
A: Technically, no, as the beaches are considered public places, and drinking alcohol in public places is prohibited by law. However, this law is rarely enforced, and many locals and tourists drink on the beaches without problems.
Q: How do you buy alcohol in EG?
A: You can buy alcohol from liquor stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, or duty-free shops at the airport. You can also order alcohol from bars, restaurants, or delivery services.
Q: How do you order a beer in EG?
A: You can order a beer in Equatorial Guinea by using some basic Spanish phrases and words, such as “una cerveza, por favor” (one beer, please) or “quiero una cerveza Castel/Asonga/Sahara” (I want a Castel/Asonga/Sahara beer). You can also use gestures and point to the menu or the bottle to indicate what beer you want.