Bermudians like a drink, and another one, and another one. Take a look at blackandcoke.com, basically an online photographic diary of the entertainment scene in Bermuda. You don’t have to be a genius to work out that nearly every photograph is essentially the same; groups of locals and expats standing in bars and holding their drinks proudly aloft for the camera.
There was a time in Bermuda when drinking and driving was socially acceptable. The police were even known to have provided escorted journeys for the inebriated motor cyclist. However, a recent surge in drink-related road deaths, has led to a clamp-down on driving whilst impaired. From a legal viewpoint it is not now advisable; nor is it from a practical (i.e. staying alive) angle. Alcohol leads to memory-loss. Not a good idea when in a country where they drive on the left. Forgetting this crucial fact tends to result in an extremely short vacation.
The legal age for drinking is 18. It is strictly enforced for all those consuming or buying alcohol.
Until January 2013 the strong Christian laws of Bermuda dictated that no alcohol could be purchased from stores on a Sunday. You could, however, purchase alcoholic drinks on the Sabbath from a bar or restaurant. One of the first major reforms by the new One Bermuda Alliance government was the Liquor Licence Amendment Act 2013. The law, which came into effect at the beginning of 2014, now permits grocery and liquor stores to sell alcohol between 8 am and 9 pm (in line with the other days of the week).
Alcohol can be purchased at any of Bermuda’s supermarkets. There are also several dedicated wine and spirit merchants.
Most things cost more in Bermuda and alcohol is no exception. Tourists can bring alcohol into Bermuda but current duty free limits are only 1 litre of wine and 1 litre of spirits.
Alcohol purchased in a store and taken out by the customer is not duty free. Cruise ship passengers wishing to obtain duty free prices need to arrange to have it delivered to their ship. Stores such as Gosling’s offer this service. Those flying can buy duty free alcohol at LF Wade International Airport.
Hello,
Can anyone tell me what constitutes “Spirits” with regard to Bermuda Customs Offices?
I know I’m allowed to bring in one liter of wine and one liter of “Spirits”.
Can I bring in 2 bottles of wine and no spirits? Can I bring in a bottle of wine and a bottle of a liqueur? Would the liqueur, such as Kahlua or Grand Marnier count as “Spirits”?
I’m staying at a hotel with my parents in Bermuda. I’m almost 18, I’m still 17 but I look 18. Would they ID me for ordering a piña colada?
How is the prices for buying liquor in bermuda? I hope they have more then just rum to buy?
Is it legal to take a bottle of wine or liquor to a Resteraunt in Bermuda?
And do they have corkage fees ?
Does anyone know if you are permitted to take a bottle of wine with a picnic lunch and stop in a park or along the shoreline or beach for a picnic/glass of wine? I hear that as long as you don’t get intoxicated and cause a fuss that it’s ok. I wanted to know how the police and residents view this?
What are the rules about under 18s in places serving alcohol? We will be on holiday with our 15 year old daughter. Back home she would be allowed to sit with us drinking soft drinks in a pub until 9 pm. It would be fine after that time if we were eating in a restaurant.
You will be fine with your daughter in most of the bars outside Hamilton, especially the ones that cater to tourists (e.g. at Dockyard). She’ll be ok in Hamilton too, apart from at the club/drinking bars with loud music/dancing.
Is that drinking age strictly enforced? I’m 16 but I’m over 6 feet etc. Would they ID me?
It is enforced. I can’t comment as for whether they would ID a giant like yourself.
Hardly. Underage drinking is a huge problem and it is not uncommon to find minors in 18 and over night clubs.
i think its completly okay as long as they drink resposibly! everyone drinks at a young age.by the way if ur considered an adult after the age of 18, why not drink.especially when ur on vacation! deff. not fair for people engaged or married, who are under the age of 21!
The legal age for drinking is 18? Holly Molly! That is just too young!!
95% of the world the legal age is 18, not too young.
Just a heads up that you can’t buy alcohol after 9pm not 10pm. And definitely not Sunday so stuck up early for your weekends. 🙂
The religious mob don’t let us buy alcohol on Sundays and oppose casinos opening in Bermuda. Yet almost every church in Bermuda holds some sort of raffle to raise money for themselves. If a raffle isn’t gambling I don’t know what is. Complete hypocrisy!
Bible bashers running bermuda! This will be your downfall