Sands Beer Crowns Drink & Win Champions With Massive Smuggler’s Square Celebration

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Sands Beer brought many excited fans to downtown Nassau last weekend as the brand wrapped up its five-month “Drink & Win” campaign with an electrifying finale at Smuggler’s Square.

The high-energy street party, complete with performances by SKILLIBENG, KONSHENS, SHINE 242, FANSHAWN, and DJ favourites, Fresh, Tank, Melody Ajay, and Eon Blackz, delivered exactly what Sands promised: a night dedicated to celebrating its loyal customers in true “Truly Bahamian” style.

The promotion, which ran nationwide from June through October, gave beer lovers from every island the chance to win weekly prizes and three major rewards: $1,000, $4,000, and the grand prize, a brand-new 2025 fully loaded Yamaha Jet Ski. Entry was simple: purchase any six-pack of Sands, Sands Light, Sands Pink Radler, or Sands Passion Radler at Jimmy’s Wines & Spirits or participating retailers.

“This event was our big thank-you,” said Joel Smith, Senior Brand Manager for Sands Beer. “The support we received throughout the campaign was unbelievable, and Saturday’s turnout showed just how strong the Sands family really is. We had a full house, incredible energy, unforgettable performances, and of course, we got to announce our three major winners. Seeing fans from Eleuthera, Grand Bahama, and New Providence take home these prizes made the night even more special.”

The 2025 Yamaha Jet Ski went to Harold Wilson, who entered the promotion through a purchase he made at Transit Liquor Store in Freeport. Wilson said he was stunned when he received the winning call. “When that phone rang, I was knocked out sleeping after a long travel day,” Wilson recalled with a laugh. “My wife said, ‘You won!’ and I said, ‘You sure that’s what he said?’ We kept asking each other over and over! When it finally sank in, man…I was so happy. The first thing I did when I got home that day was crack a cold Sands Light, my favourite. I’ve never won anything like this in my life. I really appreciate it. God bless Sands Beer.”

Wilson added that he plans to enjoy the Jet Ski to the fullest: “I know for sure I’m gonna enjoy that Jet Ski. This means a lot to me.”

The second prize went to Cyril Hall of Joey’s in Rock Sound, Eleuthera, who won $4,000. “I’ve never won anything before, so this was overwhelming,” Hall said. “I’ve been drinking Sands Light for six or seven years now. It’s one of the smoothest beers you can find. I’ll continue drinking Sands because I love it!”

The third prize winner, Clarence Newton, entered the competition through Jimmy’s Wines & Spirits’ Carmichael Road location and was on hand at the event to hear his winning news.

Smith emphasized how meaningful it was that winners came from multiple islands. “That’s what made this year so exciting,” he said. “Clarence from Carmichael Road here in Nassau, Cyril from Eleuthera, and Harold from Freeport – all fans from across The Bahamas walked away with major prizes. That’s exactly what we hoped for when we designed this campaign.”

The finale, rescheduled from earlier in the year due to weather, ultimately delivered an even bigger celebration than planned. Smuggler’s Square was packed shoulder-to-shoulder, with fans filling the iconic downtown strip from the stage straight into the heart of Bay Street.

“It was the perfect atmosphere to announce our winners,” Smith said. “From the artists to the crowd to the Sands team, everyone came together for a night that truly celebrated our customers.”

With the success of this year’s Drink & Win campaign and the overwhelming turnout at the finale, Sands Beer says fans can expect more major promotions and events in 2026.

“We’re just getting started,” Smith added. “If you thought this year was big, wait until you see what we have planned next.”