Does anyone know how strict (if at all) the laws on Aruba are about drinking outside? Say you buy a beer from a store, would you be able to walk around with it or take it and drink it on the beach?

There's no open container law or restrictions on Aruba so feel free to take a drink to a sunny spot. You are better off taking cans to the beach as many places ban or frown on bottles. (I guess it's a safety thing.)

One of the things I love the most about Aruba is sitting outside a lovely cafe or bar with a drink. I rarely take alcohol to the beach or anywhere else outside but it's nice to know you can. I am fine with others doing it, so long as they tidy up their trash afterwards.

It still strikes me as a little strange to see people drinking openly in public, on the streets! I definitely think it's fine for Aruba as there never seems to be any trouble caused by it. Though that could be because I rarely visit the areas where the youngsters find their fun! There is nothing nicer than a simple picnic out in a park or on the beach. And no picnic is complete without a half bottle of wine!

I love sitting on the beach with a cold pina coloda from the beach bar. Even better are the beach bars that send servers around taking orders and delivering drinks. Then I don't even have to get off my lounge chair!

I hear that. Beach and poolside cocktails are quite refreshing. I've also been known to grab a bottle of wine or champagne for a moonlight stroll on the beach. Always bring a plastic cup though