What You Need to Know About Belize Alcohol Laws
Belize as a top tourism destination has a reputation for being a great place to let loose and have some fun. With so many tourist attractions, activities, public and bank holidays, it’s no wonder that many visitors want to party every day. And the locals are not far behind. However, it’s important to be aware of Belize’s alcohol laws before you start drinking. Belize is a rum producing country with the local dark and clear rum (known locally as white rum) being the best deal on the market. Visitors are often encourage by their hosts or tour guides to Drink Like A Belizean. But drink responsibly.
Belize has a lower drinking age than many other countries, so visitors may be tempted to overindulge. But it’s important to remember that Belize also has strict laws against drinking and driving, and public intoxication. If you’re caught driving under the influence, you could face serious consequences.
What is the Legal Drinking Age in Belize?
In Belize, the legal drinking age is 18 and it is relatively easy to purchase alcohol almost anywhere everyday up to 12:00 midnight at convenience stores, and up to 3:00 a.m at casinos and nightclubs. Belize traditionally had “Blue Laws” governing the sale of liquor on certain religious holidays but starting in 24 December 2022 these were repealed. On that day the Belize Government issued a press release “Cabinet’s Decision On The Sale Of Liquor During Christmas Holidays” and by decree set aside the laws banning the sale of alcohol on Christmas Day.
Drinking and Driving Laws in Belize
Driving while drunk in Belize is a criminal offense. Police officers can pull you over and administer a sobriety test if they suspect you’re under the influence. You may be detained for up to 36 hours if you’re caught driving (this includes golf carts – the preferred mode of transport on the islands) while over the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit. When arrested you will be taken to a public medical facility and asked to provide a urine or blood sample. You can refuse, but refusal will result in additional charges for not providing a specimen unless you can provide a reasonable explanation as per the Motor Vehicles And Road Traffic Act Chapter 230 Being under the influence and coming into contact with a traffic officer or cop has the additional risk of being extorted by law enforcement. Belize cops can find creative ways of keeping a detainee in the “piss house” (local parlance for police lock up) for more that the legally mandated 72 hours.
What is the Blood Alcohol (BAC) Limit in Belize?
The Blood Alcohol Level Limit in Belize is 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood 0.08 – the same as in the U.K. , Canada and most of the United States of America. In Belize BAC is referred to in law as driving above the “prescribed limit”.
Can You Drink in Public in Belize?
Public drunkenness is illegal in Belize, and you can expect this law to be enforced. You are not allowed to drink on public streets. However, it is OK to drink on your resort’s property.
What Are The Opening Hours For Liquor Establishments In Belize?
Statutory Instrument No. 175 of 2022 provides for the repeal and replacement of several sub-sections under Regulation 5 of the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Regulations, Subsidiary Laws, 2003, which provides for the Hours of Closing for Licensed Premises.
Substantially, the revised and amended regulations standardize the daily closing hours for premises licensed under the following categories:
• Shop License: closed between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. of the following day
• Beer License: closed between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. of the following day
• Publican Special: closed between midnight and 9:00 a.m. of the following day
• Night Club: closed between 2:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. of the following day
Specifically, the amended regulations repeal and replace closing restrictions for particular weekdays and public and bank holidays for the license categories listed above. In a nutshell, alcohol can be sold and consumed any day of the year throughout Belize including religious holidays.
Safety Tips for Drinking in Belize
Stick with friends, or travel in groups and stay together throughout the night. Women should be especially careful about walking alone at night and after drinking. While tourist areas do have a great deal of security in place, there are still various areas where everyone should exercise a level of caution. Stay aware of your surroundings. Don’t let your guard down while you’re out drinking. When out drinking avoid mixed drinks and purchase only beer and drinks in sealed containers. There have been reports of drinks being spiked with drugs like Rohypnol and GHB (also known as “date rape drugs”). These substances are widely available in the Central American republics and regretfully spill over into Belize. To avoid this, never leave your drink unattended and only accept beverages from people you trust. Belize is generally a safe country, but it’s always best to use caution, especially if you’re partying at night in an unfamiliar place.
Alcohol Related Traffic Fatalities
Forty-six percent (46%) of drivers of motor vehicles (all types) who died in road traffic fatalities that occurred during the period January to June 2024 had blood alcohol levels above the legally prescribed limit, based on samples obtained during forensic postmortem examinations and that were analysed using gas chromatography with flame ionization detection at the NFSS Laboratory. (n = 37)
The most frequent age range of intoxicated drivers who died in both of these groups (drivers of all types of motor vehicles and drivers of motorcycles) was the 20 – 29 years range. This statistical dataset was prepared by the National Forensic Science Service for the “Belize National Alcohol Forum” held on 3rd December 2025 in Belize City.
Article by M.A. Romero Chief Information Offricer. (RET)