Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States, and as such, its drinking age is 18.
However, there are some important exceptions to this rule that you should be aware of before planning your vacation in Puerto Rico.
In this article, we will discuss seven facts about the Puerto Rican drinking age that you need to know before heading down there!
Check Out: Do You Need A Passport To Go To Puerto Rico?
What Exactly is the Drinking Age in Puerto Rico?
The drinking age in Puerto Rico is 18. You must be this age to buy, possess, or consume alcohol in any capacity.
However, there are a few exceptions to this rule.
The drinking age in Puerto Rico is 18, but to enter certain bars and clubs, you must be 21 or older.
Can You Get Drunk in Puerto Rico if You’re Under 18?
Technically Yes, but it’s against the law.
If you are caught drinking alcohol as a minor in Puerto Rico, you may be subject to penalties such as a fine or jail.
In some cases, you may even be required to attend an alcohol education program.
Is There Any Way to Get Around the Drinking Age in Puerto Rico?
No, there is no legal way to get around the drinking age in Puerto Rico.
If you are caught trying to purchase alcohol as a minor, you will be subject to the same penalties as if you had consumed alcohol.
Also Read: 13 Best Waterfalls In Puerto Rico To Visit
Can You Drink Alcohol on the Beach in Puerto Rico?
Yes, you can drink alcohol on the beach in Puerto Rico. However, you must be of legal age to do so.
Can You Purchase Alcohol at a Bar in Puerto Rico?
Yes, you can purchase alcohol at a bar in Puerto Rico. However, you must be of legal age to do so.
What Are the Penalties for Drinking Alcohol as a Minor in Puerto Rico?
The penalties for drinking alcohol as a minor in Puerto Rico vary depending on the severity of the offense.
In some cases, you may be subject to a fine or jail time. In other cases, you may be required to attend an alcohol education program.
Read: When is The Best Time to Visit Puerto Rico
Can You Use a Fake ID in Puerto Rico?
No, you cannot use a fake ID in Puerto Rico.
It is against the law to use a fake ID to purchase alcohol, and you can be fined or arrested if caught doing so.
What Happens if You Get Caught Drinking Underage in Puerto Rico?
If you are caught drinking underage in Puerto Rico, you may be fined or arrested.
The exact punishment will depend on the circumstances of your case, but it is possible that you could be deported back to the United States if you are found guilty.
Is There a Difference Between Drinking in Puerto Rico and Drinking in the United States?
Yes, there is a difference between drinking in Puerto Rico and drinking in the United States.
In Puerto Rico, it is against the law to purchase alcohol if you are under the age of 18.
In the United States, the drinking age is 21, so you must be 21 to purchase alcohol.
Can You Bring Alcohol From Puerto Rico Into the United States?
Yes, you can bring alcohol from Puerto Rico into the United States. However, you must be 21 years of age or older to do so.
If you are caught trying to bring alcohol into the United States without being of legal drinking age, you may be fined or arrested.
What Happens if You Get Caught Drinking Underage in the United States?
If you are caught drinking underage in the United States, you may be arrested.
The exact punishment will depend on the circumstances of your case, but it is possible that you could be deported back to Puerto Rico if you are found guilty.
Puerto Rico has a lower drinking age than the United States, but there are still some important rules that you need to be aware of before heading down there.
FAQ About Drinking in Puerto Rico
Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about drinking in Puerto Rico.
Is the drinking age in Puerto Rico 21?
No, the drinking age in Puerto Rico is 18.
Can You Drink Alcohol on the Beach in Puerto Rico?
Yes, you can drink alcohol on the beach in Puerto Rico. However, you must be of legal drinking age, which is 18 years old.
What Is the Drinking Age in Puerto Rico?
The drinking age in Puerto Rico is 18 years old.
Can You Drink Alcohol in Your Room at a Resort in Puerto Rico?
Yes, you can drink alcohol in your room at a resort in Puerto Rico. However, you must be of legal drinking age, which is 18 years old.
What Is the Legal Blood Alcohol Content Limit in Puerto Rico?
The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit in Puerto Rico is 0.08%. This means that if you are caught driving with a BAC of 0.08% or higher, you will be subject to DUI laws.
What Is the Punishment for DUI in Puerto Rico?
The punishment for DUI in Puerto Rico is a fine of up to $500, imprisonment of up to 30 days, or both.
If you are caught driving with a BAC of 0.08% or higher, you will be subject to these penalties.
Can You Get a DUI for Driving Under the Influence of Drugs in Puerto Rico?
Yes, you can get a DUI for driving under the influence of drugs in Puerto Rico.
If you are caught driving while impaired by drugs, you will be subject to the same penalties as if you were caught driving with a BAC of 0.08% or higher.
What Is the Legal Age to Buy Cigarettes in Puerto Rico?
The legal age to buy cigarettes in Puerto Rico is 18 years old.
Can You Drink Alcohol on a Cruise Ship That Is Docked in Puerto Rico?
Yes, you can drink alcohol on a cruise ship that is docked in Puerto Rico. However, you must be of legal drinking age, which is 18 years old.
How can tourists be sure they are following the Puerto Rico legal drinking age rules?
The best way for tourists to be sure they are following the Puerto Rico legal drinking age rules is to carry a valid ID with them at all times.
If you are of legal drinking age, be prepared to show your ID if asked by police or other officials. Also, keep in mind that the legal drinking age in Puerto Rico is lower than in the United States, so you should drink responsibly.
Can I really get arrested for drinking on the beach in Puerto Rico?
While it is technically legal to drink on the beach in Puerto Rico, you can be arrested for public intoxication if you are causing a disturbance. It is always best to drink in moderation and be aware of your surroundings.
Where is Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rico is a Caribbean island country that lies between the Dominican Republic and the Virgin Islands. Puerto Rico is one of the Lesser Antilles’ smallest and most eastern islands.
Is Puerto Rico part of the United States?
Yes. The United States controls the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, which is a territory of the United States.
Americans are citizens of both countries and are subject to federal as well as territorial laws. The U.S. Postal Service provides services such as these in addition to other locations throughout the world (UPS).
What language is spoken in Puerto Rico?
Spanish and English are the official languages of Puerto Rico. Only about 20% of inhabitants in Puerto Rico can speak English effectively, although many service and tourism sector employees are bilingual, particularly in San Juan.
What time zone is Puerto Rico in?
The United States territory of Puerto Rico is in the Atlantic Standard Time Zone, which is one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time.
From March through September, because Puerto Rico does not use Daylight Savings Time, the time on the island is identical to that in Eastern Standard Time.
What is the population of Puerto Rico?
The population of Puerto Rico is north of 3 million people
What is the capital of Puerto Rico?
San Juan is the capital of Puerto Rico. It is also the island’s largest city, with a population of over 400,000 people.
What currency is used in Puerto Rico?
The United States Dollar (USD) is the official currency of Puerto Rico.
While most establishments accept credit cards, it is always a good idea to have cash on hand, especially in smaller towns and rural areas.
What is the climate like in Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rico has a tropical climate, with an average temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
The island experiences two weather patterns – the dry season (December to May) and the wet season (June to November).
Is Puerto Rico safe?
Although there have been some significant incidents in recent years, Puerto Rico is generally a secure destination for tourism.
Use common sense: leave valuables in the hotel rather than on your person, be wary of remote areas or walking alone at night, and lock your rental car.
When Is The Hurricane Season In Puerto Rico?
The hurricane season in Puerto Rico typically runs from June to November.
The best time to visit Puerto Rico is during the months of December through May, when the weather is drier and cooler.
Should You Rent A Car In Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rico is a large island, so renting a car can be a good way to get around.
However, keep in mind that traffic can be heavy and roads can be crowded. If you are not comfortable driving in these conditions, it may be best to use other forms of transportation such as taxis or buses.
How To Stay Connected In Puerto Rico?
If you have T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, or Sprint service in the United States, your phone will work in Puerto Rico.
There are also many Wi-Fi hotspots throughout the island, so you can always find a connection if you need it.
Bottom line
Puerto Rico has a lower drinking age than the United States, but there are still some important rules that you need to be aware of before heading down there. Be sure to carry a valid ID with you at all times and drink responsibly.