Papua New Guinea is a country in Oceania famous for its cultural diversity, natural beauty, and biodiversity. If you are a traveler who likes to enjoy a drink or two, you might be interested in knowing the legal drinking age and the alcohol laws in PNG. This guide will provide helpful information and tips on drinking in PNG.
Legal Drinking Age in Papua New Guinea?
Papua New Guinea (PNG) is a country in Oceania that occupies the eastern half of the island of New Guinea and its offshore islands. It is known for its rich cultural diversity, natural beauty, and biodiversity. If you are planning to visit Papua New Guinea, you might be wondering about the legal drinking age and the alcohol laws in this country.
Can 15-Year-Olds Drink in Papua New Guinea?
The legal drinking age in Papua New Guinea is 18. Anyone who is 18 or older can legally drink alcoholic beverages in PNG. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase every day of the week.
However, if you are under 18, you cannot buy or drink alcohol in Papua New Guinea. It is illegal to sell or supply alcohol to anyone who is under 16. You cannot buy alcohol from stores, bars, or restaurants. You also cannot drink alcohol in public places, such as on the streets, beaches, or parks.
If you are under 18 and you are caught drinking alcohol in Papua New Guinea, you may face legal consequences, such as fines, imprisonment, or deportation. Therefore, it is best to avoid drinking alcohol if you are underage.
What are the Papua New Guinea Alcohol Laws?
Papua New Guinea does not have a specific law that regulates the consumption of alcohol. However, some general rules apply to alcohol-related activities, such as:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal and punishable by fines, imprisonment, or both. The legal blood alcohol limit in Papua New Guinea is 0.08%, which is the same as in the US and the UK. If you are driving in Papua New Guinea, you should avoid drinking alcohol or use a designated driver.
- Drinking alcohol in public places is subject to the discretion of the police and the local authorities. It is advisable to drink responsibly and respect the local culture and customs. Some public places, such as beaches, parks, or historical sites, may have signs that prohibit drinking alcohol. You should follow the signs and the rules to avoid any trouble.
- Drinking alcohol on board a boat or a yacht is allowed, but the captain and the crew must follow the maritime safety regulations and local laws. If sailing in Papua New Guinea, you should drink moderately and be aware of the weather and the water conditions. You should also wear a life jacket and avoid swimming or diving after drinking alcohol.
- Drinking alcohol on board a plane is prohibited unless it is served by the airline. If you are flying to or from Papua New Guinea, you should not bring your alcohol or drink excessively. You should also follow the instructions of the flight attendants and the pilots.
Where Can You Drink in Papua New Guinea?
Papua New Guinea has a variety of places where you can enjoy a drink, such as:
- Bars and pubs: Papua New Guinea has many bars and pubs that offer a range of local and international drinks, such as beer, wine, and spirits. Some popular bars and pubs in Papua New Guinea are The Aviat Club, The Cosmopolitan, The Lamana Gold Club, and The Royal Papua Yacht Club.
- Restaurants and cafes: Papua New Guinea has many restaurants and cafes that serve alcohol along with food. Some popular restaurants and cafes in Papua New Guinea are Asia Aromas, Duffy Cafe, Fusion Bistro, and Tasty Bite.
- Hotels and Resorts: Papua New Guinea has many hotels and resorts with bars and lounges where you can drink alcohol. Some famous hotels and resorts in Papua New Guinea are Airways Hotel, Crowne Plaza, Grand Papua Hotel, and Hilton Port Moresby.
When Can You Buy Alcohol in Papua New Guinea?
Papua New Guinea does not have a specific law that regulates the sale of alcohol. However, most stores, bars, and restaurants follow the general business hours, usually from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. on weekends. Depending on the season and demand, some places may have longer or shorter hours.
If you want to buy alcohol in Papua New Guinea, you can find many options, such as:
- Liquor stores: Papua New Guinea has many liquor stores that sell a variety of alcoholic beverages, such as beer, wine, and spirits. Some famous liquor stores in Papua New Guinea are Brian Bell, CPL Group, RH Hypermarket, and Stop N Shop.
- Duty-free shops: Papua New Guinea has some duty-free shops that sell alcohol at lower prices than the regular stores. Some popular duty-free shops in Papua New Guinea are Jacksons International Airport, Lae International Hotel, and Vision City Mega Mall.
- Online delivery: Papua New Guinea has some online delivery services that deliver alcohol to your door. Some popular online delivery services in Papua New Guinea are BWS, Food Panda, and PNG Wine.
How Do You Ask for a Beer in Papua New Guinea?
The official language of Papua New Guinea is English so you can ask for a beer in English. However, you may also encounter some local languages and slang, such as:
Tok Pisin:
This is a Creole language that is widely spoken in Papua New Guinea. It is based on English but also has influences from German, Malay, and various indigenous languages. For example, you may hear “wanpela bia” (one beer), “gutpela de” (good day), or “tenkyu tumas” (thank you very much).
Hiri Motu:
This is another Creole language spoken in some parts of Papua New Guinea. It is based on Motu, an indigenous language, but English and other languages have also influenced it. For example, you may hear “bia” (beer), “gut pela morning” (good morning), or “vinaka” (thank you).
To ask for a beer in Papua New Guinea, you can use any of these phrases:
- Can I have a beer, please?
- I want a beer, please.
- One beer, please.
- Cheers!
Conclusion
Drinking in Papua New Guinea can be a fun experience as long as you follow the legal drinking age and the alcohol laws. Papua New Guinea has many places to drink, such as bars, pubs, restaurants, cafes, hotels, and resorts. You can also buy alcohol from liquor stores, duty-free shops, or online delivery services. You can order a beer in English or the local languages and slang.
FAQs
Q: What is the legal drinking age in PNG?
A: The legal drinking age in PNG is 18.
Q: What are the penalties for underage drinking in PNG?
A: The penalties for underage drinking in PNG may include fines, imprisonment, or deportation.
Q: What are the penalties in PNG for driving under the influence of alcohol?
A: The penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol in PNG may include fines, imprisonment, or both.
Q: What are the best drinks to try in PNG?
A: Some of the best drinks in PNG are beer, wine, and spirits.
Q: What are the best places to drink in PNG?
A: Some of the best places to drink in PNG are The Aviat Club, The Cosmopolitan, The Lamana Gold Club, and The Royal Papua Yacht Club.
Q: When can you buy alcohol in PNG?
A: You can buy alcohol in PNG from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. on weekends.
Q: Where can you buy alcohol in PNG?
A: You can buy alcohol in PNG from liquor stores, duty-free shops, or online delivery services.
Q: How can you order a beer in PNG?
A: You can order a beer in PNG in English or the local languages and slang.
Q: Can you drink alcohol on the beach in PNG?
A: You can drink alcohol on the beach in PNG, but you should follow the signs and the rules that may prohibit drinking in some areas.
Q: Can you drink alcohol in PNG on a boat or a yacht?
A: You can drink alcohol on a boat or a yacht in PNG, but you should follow the maritime safety regulations and the local laws.