What You Need to Know About Legal Drinking Age in the Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands are a popular destination for travelers who want to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea. But what about the drinks? If you are planning to visit the Cayman Islands, you might be wondering what the legal drinking age is, where you can buy alcohol, and what kind of drinks you can try.

What is the Legal Drinking Age in the Cayman Islands?

The legal drinking age in the Cayman Islands is 18 years old. This means that you can legally buy, consume, and possess alcohol if you are 18 or older. However, there are some rules and restrictions that you should be aware of before you drink in the Cayman Islands.

1. It is illegal to sell, serve, or supply alcohol to anyone under 18 years old. If you are caught doing so, you could face a fine of up to $5,000, and the court may also order that your liquor license be revoked or suspended for up to 10 years.
2. It is also illegal for anyone under 18 years old to buy, attempt to buy, or consume alcohol. If you are caught doing so, you could face a fine of up to $500, and the court may also order that you attend a counseling or education program.
3. It is illegal to drive or operate any vehicle or machinery while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The legal blood-alcohol limit for drivers in the Cayman Islands is 0.07%, which is lower than the 0.08% limit in the US and Canada. If caught driving while impaired, you could face a fine of up to $1,000, imprisonment for up to six months, and a suspension of your driving license for up to one year.

Can 16-Year-Olds Drink in the Cayman Islands?

No, 16-year-olds cannot drink in the Cayman Islands. As mentioned above, the legal drinking age in the Cayman Islands is 18 years old, and anyone under 18 years old is prohibited from buying, attempting to buy, or consuming alcohol. There are no exceptions or exemptions for 16-year-olds, even if a parent or guardian accompanies them or if they have parental consent. Drinking under 18 years old is not only illegal but also harmful to your health and development. Therefore, we strongly advise waiting until 18 before you drink in the Cayman Islands.

What are the Cayman Islands Alcohol Laws?

The Cayman Islands’ alcohol laws are regulated by the Liquor Licensing Law (2019 Revision), which governs the licensing, sale, and consumption of alcohol in the Cayman Islands. Here are some of the main points that you should know about the Cayman Islands alcohol laws:

1. Liquor licenses are issued by the Liquor Licensing Board, which consists of seven members appointed by the Governor. There are seven categories of liquor licenses: retail, hotel, restaurant, package, wine and beer, special occasion, and temporary. Each license has different terms and conditions, such as the hours of operation, the types of alcohol that can be sold, and the premises where alcohol can be consumed.
2. Liquor stores are the only places where you can buy alcohol for off-premise consumption. Supermarkets and gas stations cannot sell alcohol in the Cayman Islands. Liquor stores are usually open from Monday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Some liquor stores are also open on Sundays, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., but only if they have a special license from the Board.
3. Bars and restaurants are the places where you can buy alcohol for on-premise consumption. Bars and restaurants are usually open from Monday to Friday, from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m., and on Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. Bars and restaurants are also available on Sundays, from 1 p.m. to 12 a.m., but only if they have a special license from the Board. Nightclubs are open from Monday to Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., on Fridays, from 10 a.m. to 3 a.m., and on Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. Nightclubs are never open on Sundays.
4. You can drink on public beaches in the Cayman Islands as long as you are not causing a nuisance or disturbance to others. However, it would be best to be careful not to litter or damage the environment and respect the local customs and culture. You should also avoid drinking on public beaches during religious holidays, such as Easter and Christmas, as this may be considered offensive or disrespectful by some locals.

Can You Drink on Beaches in the Cayman Islands?

Yes, you can drink on beaches in the Cayman Islands if you follow the rules and regulations mentioned above. However, you should also be aware that drinking on beaches in the Cayman Islands is not the same as drinking on beaches in other countries. Here are some of the differences and challenges that you may encounter when drinking on beaches in the Cayman Islands:

1. The weather in the Cayman Islands is hot and humid, so you can get dehydrated and sunburned easily. Therefore, you should drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen and protective clothing when drinking on beaches in the Cayman Islands. You should also avoid drinking too much alcohol, as this can increase your risk of heatstroke and dehydration.
2. The beaches in the Cayman Islands are public property, meaning you have to share them with others. Therefore, you should be respectful and courteous to others when drinking on beaches in the Cayman Islands. You should not play loud music, use foul language, or engage in inappropriate behavior when drinking on beaches in the Cayman Islands. You should also clean up and dispose of your trash correctly when drinking on beaches in the Cayman Islands.
3. The beaches in the Cayman Islands are home to diverse and delicate marine life, which means you have to protect them from harm. Therefore, you should not drink near the water or swim while intoxicated when drinking on beaches in the Cayman Islands. You should also avoid using glass bottles or containers, as they can break and injure yourself or the wildlife when drinking on beaches in the Cayman Islands. You should also avoid using plastic straws or bags, as they can pollute the ocean and harm wildlife when drinking on beaches in the Cayman Islands.

What Time Can I Buy Alcohol in the Cayman Islands?

When you can buy alcohol in the Cayman Islands depends on where you buy it and what day of the week it is. As mentioned above, liquor stores are the only places where you can purchase alcohol for off-premise consumption, and bars and restaurants are the places where you can buy alcohol for on-premise consumption. Here are the general hours when you can purchase alcohol in the Cayman Islands:

1. Liquor stores are usually open from Monday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Some liquor stores are also open on Sundays, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., but only if they have a special license from the Board.
2. Bars and restaurants are usually open from Monday to Friday, from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m., and on Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. Bars and restaurants are also available on Sundays, from 1 p.m. to 12 a.m., but only if they have a special license from the Board.
3. Nightclubs are open from Monday to Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., on Fridays, from 10 a.m. to 3 a.m., and on Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. Nightclubs are never open on Sundays.

However, you should also be aware that these hours may vary depending on the location, the season, and the occasion. For example, some liquor stores may close earlier or later than the usual hours, depending on the demand and the supply. Some bars and restaurants may also extend or reduce their hours, depending on the events and the customers. Some nightclubs may also have special hours, depending on the theme and the promotion. Therefore, you should always check the hours of operation of the place where you want to buy alcohol in the Cayman Islands before you go there.

How Do You Ask for a Beer in the Cayman Islands?

Asking for a beer in the Cayman Islands is not very different from asking for a beer in other countries. However, there are some things that you should know and do when asking for a beer in the Cayman Islands. Here are some tips and suggestions for asking for a beer in the Cayman Islands:

1. The official language of the Cayman Islands is English, which means that you can ask for a beer in English without any problem. However, you should also be aware that some locals may speak with a Caymanian accent or dialect, making it hard for you or them to understand you. Therefore, you should speak clearly and politely when asking for a beer in the Cayman Islands, and you should also listen carefully and ask for clarification if needed.
2. The currency of the Cayman Islands is the Cayman Islands dollar (KYD), which is pegged to the US dollar (1 USD = 0.82 KYD) at a fixed exchange rate. However, you should also be aware that some places may accept US dollars, but they may change Cayman Islands dollars or charge you a higher rate. Therefore, you should always check the beer’s price and currency before you buy it, and you should also have some Cayman Islands dollars with you when asking for a beer in the Cayman Islands.
3. The beer in the Cayman Islands is mainly imported from other countries, such as the US, the UK, and Jamaica. However, you should also be aware that there are some local breweries in the Cayman Islands, such as the Cayman Islands Brewery and the Cayman Islands Craft Market, that produce their beers, such as the Caybrew, the Ironshore Bock, and the White Tip Lager. Therefore, you should always ask for the beer’s name and origin before you buy it, and you should also try some of the local beers when asking for a beer in the Cayman Islands.
4. The beer in the Cayman Islands is usually served in bottles or cans rather than in glasses or mugs. However, you should also be aware that some bars and restaurants may offer you a glass or a mug if you prefer or if you order a draft beer. Therefore, you should always specify the size and the type of beer before you buy it, and you should also ask for a glass or a mug if you want one when asking for a beer in the Cayman Islands.

To summarize, asking for a beer in the Cayman Islands is not very complicated, but you should be mindful of some differences and challenges you may face. Here are some examples of how you can ask for a beer in the Cayman Islands:

• “Hi, can I have a beer, please? What kind of beers do you have?”
• “Hello, I would like to try a local beer. Do you have any Caybrew or Ironshore Bock?”
• “Hi there, can I get a bottle of Red Stripe, please? How much is it in Cayman Islands dollars?”
• “Hello, I would like a pint of Guinness, please. Do you have it on tap? Can I have a glass with it?”

Conclusion

Drinking in the Cayman Islands can be a fun experience as long as you know the legal drinking age, the alcohol laws, and the cultural and environmental aspects. The Cayman Islands offer a variety of imported and local beers that you can try and taste. However, you should drink responsibly and moderately and avoid drinking too much or too often. Drinking in the Cayman Islands is not worth risking your health, safety, or reputation. Remember, the Cayman Islands are more than just a place to drink. They are a place to explore, discover, and appreciate. Cheers!

FAQ

Q: What is the legal drinking age in the CI?

A: The legal drinking age in the CI is 18 years old.

Q: Can 16-year-olds drink in the CI?

A: No, 16-year-olds cannot drink in the CI. Anyone under 18 years old is prohibited from buying, attempting to buy, or consuming alcohol.

Q: What are the CI alcohol laws?

A: The CI alcohol laws are regulated by the Liquor Licensing Law (2019 Revision), which governs the licensing, sale, and consumption of alcohol in the CI.

Q: Can you drink on beaches in the CI?

A: Yes, you can drink on beaches in the CI, as long as you are not causing a nuisance or disturbance to others and following the rules and regulations.

Q: What time can I buy alcohol in the CI?

A: The time when you can buy alcohol in the CI depends on where you are buying it and what day of the week it is. Liquor stores are usually open from Monday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.. Some are also open on Sundays, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Bars and restaurants are usually available from Monday to Friday, from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. Nightclubs are open from Monday to Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., on Fridays, from 10 a.m. to 3 a.m., and on Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 12 a.m.

Q: How do you ask for a beer in the CI?

A: You can ask for a beer in the CI in English, the official language. However, you should also be aware that some locals may speak with a Caymanian accent or dialect, making it hard for you or them to understand you. Therefore, you should speak clearly and politely and ask for the beer’s name and origin before you buy it.

Q: What kind of beers can I find in the CI?

A: The beer in the CI is mainly imported from other countries, such as the US, the UK, and Jamaica. However, you can also find local beers, such as the Caybrew, the Ironshore Bock, and the White Tip Lager, which the Cayman Islands Brewery and the CI Craft Market produce.

Q: How much does a beer cost in the CI?

A: The price of a beer in the CI varies depending on the type, the size, and the place where you buy it. However, you can expect to pay around 3 to 5 CI dollars (4 to 6 US dollars) for a bottle or a can of beer and about 5 to 7  dollars (6 to 9 US dollars) for a pint or a beer draft.

Q: What are the best places to drink beer in the CI?

A: The CI has many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs where you can drink beer and enjoy the nightlife. Some of the most popular and recommended places are the Lone Star Bar and Grill, the Wharf Restaurant and Bar, the Macabuca Tiki Bar and Grill, the Royal Palms Beach Club, and the Calico Jack’s Bar and Grill.

Q: What are the risks and consequences of drinking too much beer in the CI?

A: Drinking too much beer in the CI can negatively affect your health and safety, as well as the environment and culture. Some of the risks and consequences of drinking too much beer in the CI are dehydration, sunburn, heatstroke, hangover, nausea, vomiting, headache, drowsiness, impaired judgment, loss of coordination, accidents, injuries, violence, crime, legal trouble, fines, imprisonment, license suspension, littering, pollution, wildlife harm, cultural offense, and social embarrassment. Therefore, you should drink responsibly and moderately and know your limits when drinking beer in the CI.