Is Portugal strict on drinking?

Is Portugal strict on drinking? Honestly, that's a funny question, because it really depends on what you're used to! I mean, compared to, say, the US, where you practically need a PhD in alcohol regulations to navigate happy hour, Portugal felt incredibly relaxed. Seriously.

I remember one evening, we were strolling along the beach in Lagos, and everyone – and I mean everyone – had a beer in hand. Kids were even running around with their parents, no one seemed to bat an eye. Now, I'm not saying that's necessarily ideal, but it was a far cry from some of the more… starchy attitudes I've encountered elsewhere. Like that time in Germany, where we almost got yelled at for finishing our beers on the train platform – can you believe it? Brutal!

Of course, Portugal has rules. I noticed shops closing early, and there's definitely some legal drinking age stuff. But it's not like they're constantly policing things. You know, it felt more like a cultural thing, like enjoying a drink is just part of life, woven into the fabric of daily life. A glass of vinho verde with a seafood dinner? Absolutely normal. A cold Sagres on a sunny afternoon? Perfectly acceptable. They're not going to throw you in jail for having a beer on the beach! Although, maybe don't do that on a family beach, just a little common sense, you know?

So, strict? Not really, in my experience. More like… laid-back, maybe? I'd say it's way more about enjoying the drink responsibly than being hyper-vigilant about the rules. It was a breath of fresh air, honestly. Much more enjoyable than constantly worrying if I'm going to be fined for something totally innocuous.