If you are raring to go to the beautiful beach paradise of Bali, Indonesia, then keep reading because this discussion is for you. Bali is a well-known tourist destination, and plenty of tourists come here for a quick getaway. Although it’s not exactly known as a place to party, you can find loads of establishments here that serve the best alcoholic drinks and delicious local cuisine that you won’t find anywhere else. So, if you have questions about the drinking age in Bali, then read on.
Before we can move on to these questions, you have to know that Indonesia is a country with a huge Muslim population – So alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited, according to Islamic law. But aside from Bali, the entire country itself welcomes visitors from all cultures, so there’s a chance that you could still bump into an establishment that sells it. That being said, let’s begin with the first question.
What is the Legal Drinking Age in Bali?
Bali is different from the rest of the country as the alcohol laws there are more relaxed. But the official drinking age there is 21 years old, according to law. This means that if you are 20 years old and below, you are not supposed to consume or purchase any kind of liquor, or any beverage with alcohol in its ingredients. The same rules apply to liquor store owners or bartenders, as they cannot sell or encourage anyone below 21 to consume liquor, even with their consent.
What is the Legal Drinking Age in Bali for Tourists and Foreigners?
Tourists and foreigners or just about anyone who sets foot in Bali are required to follow the legal drinking age of 21 years old. If they are past that age, then they are more than welcome to drink the island’s roster of local and international liquors. One of the most popular drinks you can consume there is arak, a local rice wine.
Also, be aware of local peddlers who attempt to sell you alcohol outside of bars – These could be members of a criminal gang who make counterfeit versions of both international and local liquor as a way to make money. Plenty of these fake alcohols are harmful to your health, as they contain harmful chemicals.
Do You Need an ID to Drink in Bali?
There are a few drinking spots in Bali that have an over-18 policy. This means that you cannot enter a certain establishment, such as a bar or a nightclub, without presenting an ID card (or any legal document such as a driver’s license or a passport) that proves that you are of legal age. However, this policy is only strictly implemented in some bars in Bali, and a few of them will still let you in as long as you look mature enough for your age.
Legal Drinking Age in Bali with Parents
The legal drinking age in Bali is strictly enforced here, and even with parents’ consent, anyone below 21 still isn’t allowed to consume the liquor of their choice. But even though Indonesia is a somewhat conservative country, there will still be incidents in which children as young as 14 will be caught smuggling and drinking alcohol. Parents who allow their children to consume alcohol and get intoxicated will face serious charges and punishment from authorities.
Legal Drinking Age in Bali by Region
As mentioned, Bali gets more tourists compared to other spots in the country, including its capital, Jakarta. This is why despite still being a part of Indonesia, the island’s drinking laws are very relaxed. In fact, only one spot in the entire country has completely outlawed consuming and purchasing alcohol – The province of Aceh, located in Sumatra.
Can Minors Drink in Bali with Their Parents
Cases of underage drinking are surprisingly rampant, not just in Bali but throughout the entire country. There is a law that states that adults cannot drink in front of minors, but this law seems to be disobeyed a lot as well. It could either be that the authorities or even the parents just don’t care, or these laws just need to be implemented in a harsher way.
Consequences of Breaking the Drinking Age Law in Bali
Another surprising thing about Indonesia as a whole is that there are no laws pertaining to driving under the influence of alcohol. Instead, there is a law that penalizes acts that threaten passengers who are driving, which the authorities seemingly use as a catch-all law for driving under the influence of alcohol. Failing to obey this law results in a lengthy jail sentence and a lifetime ban on driving.
A Summary of the Drinking Age in Bali
We hope that this topic has managed to answer all of your queries regarding the drinking age in Bali. Indonesia has plenty of things to see and do, and you can enjoy them all without the aid of alcohol. But if you are indeed a big drinker and want to relax, just be sure to do things in a responsible manner.
I am a passionate beer connoisseur with a deep appreciation for the art and science of brewing. With years of experience tasting and evaluating various beers, I love to share my opinions and insights with others and I am always eager to engage in lively discussions about my favorite beverage.
