Alcohol Policy: What You Need to Know Before Your Caribbean Trip

When you're sipping rum on a beach in Jamaica or sipping a cocktail at a resort in Barbados, you might not think about the alcohol policy, the set of rules governing where, when, and how alcohol can be consumed during travel. Also known as drinking regulations, it varies wildly from one island to the next—and ignoring it can cost you money, time, or even lead to trouble with local authorities. What’s allowed at your all-inclusive resort might be completely illegal just outside the gate. And what’s fine in the Bahamas could get you fined in St. Lucia.

Most all-inclusive resorts, vacation packages that bundle food, drinks, and activities into one upfront price. Also known as resort packages, they often include unlimited alcohol—but only within the property boundaries. Step outside, and you might be breaking local drinking laws, legal restrictions on alcohol sales, public consumption, and driving under the influence. Also known as alcohol regulations, these rules are enforced differently across islands. In some places, you can’t carry an open bottle on the street. In others, you can’t buy alcohol after 10 p.m. or on Sundays. Some islands require you to drink only in licensed venues. And yes, they check IDs—often aggressively. Tourists aren’t exempt. One traveler in Grenada got a $500 fine for drinking on the beach because he didn’t know it was illegal, even though his resort served him alcohol all day.

Then there’s the travel restrictions, rules imposed by airlines, cruise lines, or resorts that limit what you can bring or consume during your trip. Also known as baggage and consumption rules, these are often overlooked until you’re at security or asked to empty your cooler at the resort entrance. Some resorts ban outside alcohol entirely. Others let you bring one bottle, but charge a corkage fee. Cruise lines? They’ll confiscate anything you try to sneak on board. And if you’re flying back to the UK with rum, you need to know the duty-free limits—because customs doesn’t care if you "didn’t know."

This isn’t about being strict. It’s about avoiding headaches. You didn’t come to the Caribbean to spend your vacation dealing with fines, confiscated drinks, or awkward conversations with hotel managers. You came for the sun, the sea, and the vibe. Knowing the rules means you can relax without second-guessing every sip. Whether you’re lounging at a resort, exploring a local market, or hopping between islands, the alcohol policy shapes your experience more than you think. Below, you’ll find real stories, clear breakdowns, and no-fluff advice on what’s allowed where—so you can enjoy your trip without surprises.