Non-drinkers in Negril

This may seem like a silly question, but, as a non-drinker, will I be comfortable in Negril? I quit drinking about 9 years ago, for various reasons. I know no one can tell me whether or not I personally will be uncomfortable, but is there any "pressure" to drink from people there? If I want to hang out at a bar and drink soda or water and BS with locals and other tourists, will anyone see this as strange? Don't get me wrong...I like to have as much fun as the next guy, but I'm just much more of a sub aficionado these days. Too, what is the "protocol" with sub smoking? Is it tolerated at any bars, or something I'll be stuck doing at home base (Seastar)? I know not to take any large amounts with me anywhere, but I can discretely enjoy a sub here and there? I find not drinking to be MUCH easier in social situations where I can indulge in my choice of intoxicant. Again, it may be a silly question no one can really answer, but......I thought I'd give it a shot and if anyone could help out, it'd be the people here!

My take on this is that I am basically a non-drinker (less than 4 - 5 beers a year) and just a rare occasion smoker of "subs" and, on top of that I live in Jamaica.

"sub indulgence" is against the law but that law is rarely enforced. That being said, you still have to use a lot of discretion where and when to do so. If you don't see a "no ganja smoking allowed" sign and the "where and when" becomes "here and now" just use common sense but don't carry "subs" with you either.

Peace and Guidance

I rarely drink and have juice or water at the bars. I have never had anyone say a thing about it ever. I have even done the Pub Crawl 3 times and never had a drink except ordered water and have a blast doing it. No Problem, go and have fun :)

Thanks for the words of advice! I figured if I can handle Las Vegas without temptation, Negril wouldn't be too bad! Great to hear about the Pub Crawl too, as I thought that sounded like fun, but didn't want to find myself feeling weird about being there! Only 238 days to go LOL

You will do fine, order juice, soda, water or tell the bartenders you are allergic to alcohol and order virgin drinks

Lime-aid is a nice local beverage and any kind of blended fruit punch without alcohol. You'll love them.
Do not travel (walk around with) any subs.

I'm not much of a drinker either. Still have lotsa fun on the pub crawls & at the bars.

Easier to smoke at cliff bars than beach bars & I usually check with the staff before lighting up

Not an issue at all. Haven't had a drink in 30 years myself and in Negril I find much less expectation on the part of anyone that you'll have an alcoholic beverage than I do elsewhere. Even in bars it seems less abnormal to not order a drink than it does in the States.

Thanks again for the advice! Its appreciated for sure!

I normally have water or Ting. There are great fruit punches around too (Alfred's makes a killer one), and last trip I ordered a "virgin" Pina Collada which was also good. No problems at all. Have a blast.

One of the things I love so much about Jamaica is the people there all be it resident or visitors don't seem real interested in passing judgement on a persons preference sitting at the bar :)

I don't drink and I feel fine. Many bars have non alcoholic beverages you can buy. Kuyaba has a great virgin fruit punch!

Yep,if you're spending money I don't think they care what you're spending it on! Everything is irie,and common sense with the subs,once again,irie:)

i drink very little, enjoy subs alll day....u will be fine...ask the staff at any bar, they will tell u if it is ok....some have said "why travel with it when it can be found at every bar in town...

Great non alcoholic drinks to try in Jamaica:

As mentioned above, a virgin (non rum) punch, try to watch them make it so you know you're getting fresh fruit as opposed to something out of a can. Pewees would be great place to have one of those.

Beet juice - makes you feel like a million bucks. Jenny's is a good place for this and other organice juices.

Soursop juce - "curative" is what I call it. I usually get this from a local. It often comes an old Appleton bottle.

Sweetsop juice

Jelly coconut, really very satisfying and, to me, is like drinking oxygen or real coconut water.

Any number of local, sort of herbal juices, Jamaica has a rich history of various herbal teas (beside the obvious herb, nor do I mean mushrooms) Despite much debate about who is really Rasta, Rastas can stiil be found, or at least someone who is Ital and cooks. Obviously, be sure you know what you're getting.

Sorrel (generally at Christmas)

There's this other thing I can't remember the name but Sweet Spice makes it. It's like a combo of a milkshake and fruit . .I know, doesn't sound very good but it is delicious . . as is everything on their menu.

Ting

Blue. Mountain. Coffee.

And many others . . .

I'm a certified lightweight and have always been comfortable not drinking, or drinking very little. The vibe in Negril is very 'live and let live,' imo.

Honestly my drink of choice in Jamaica is Ting.....I prefer to keep my wits about me when down there......